Boots Jr., Jess Oren

Jess Oren Boots Jr. of Virgin, Utah, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died June 22, 2013, at home in Virgin. Graveside services, with military honors, were June 26 at Virgin Pioneer Cemetery.

Jess was born Nov. 13, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, to Jess O. Boots Sr. and Elizabeth Vandermaas Boots. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served in World War II. As a young man, Jess worked several jobs in the Cedar Rapids area. In 1952, he married Geraldine Bartunek in Cedar Rapids and they moved to southern California. It was there that Jess began his career in the avionics industry working on both the Apollo Space Program and also the Space Shuttle. He retired from Rockwell International in January 1990 after nearly 40 years in the industry and many accomplishments.

After he and Gerry divorced, Jess married Shirley Swain in Palmdale, Calif. She died in 2007. He then married Joan Rasmussen and they spent four years camping, traveling, and spending time with family. Joan died Aug. 31, 2012.

Jess is survived by his son, Michael Boots (Kelly Perez-Boots) of Cedar Rapids; his brother, Richard (Pauline) Boots of Marion; as well as granddaughters, Shannon Suby (Gary) of Cedar Rapids, Ashley Boots of Oak Park, Ill., and Holly Money (Don) of Searcy, Ark.; and great-grandchildren, Cayden Suby and Bailey, Logan and Tyler Money. Jess is survived by stepsons, Edward, Steven and Tim Swain and Brett and Garth Rasmussen; and stepdaughters, JoDeen Steedman, Cindy Rasumussen and Becky Brooke. He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren from those families.

Jess was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; wife, Joan; brothers, Donald and Lester; stepsons, Ken Swain, Ronald and Frank Rasmussen; and son-in-law, Guy Steedman.

Mike and Kelly would like to express a special thank you and sincere appreciation to the Rasmussen family for the loving care and companionship they provided to Jess in the months since Joan's passing.

Jess was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Published July 7, 2013 in The Gazette