Jesse Lee Wallace

Jesse Lee Wallace left this earthly existence, surrounded by family, on Wednesday,  April 26, 2017 after a brief fight with cancer. Born to Waldemar Wendell and Susie Josephine Wallace on December 30, 1932 in Vega, Texas, Jess spent his early years traveling with his parents as they established one-room schoolhouses across the plains of Eastern New Mexico. Seeing the results of inadequate healthcare in these small communities had a profound effect on him and at an early age, Jess decided he would become a doctor. It was to be a natural calling and one that would touch thousands of lives over the course of his career.

After graduating from Tucumcari High School, Jess attended Eastern New Mexico University. College was interrupted by the conflict in Korea and he served in the Air Force as a radio operator with duty in Alaska and California. Returning to college he focused on biology and chemistry as his goal was to be accepted to a medical school.

While working towards two bachelor degrees,Jess met a music major around a ping-pong table on campus. That student, Katherine Gutierrez, became his wife on July 2, 1955 as they married in his mother’s home in Tucumcari.

Jess was accepted to Baylor College of Medicine and soon the young couple found themselves in Houston, Texas and the rigors of medical school. Graduating from medical school in 1962 and finishing his residency in 1963, Jess and Kathy with two young children in tow returned to Tucumcari to begin medical practice. Two more children came along and a busy New Mexican life followed.

It was during this time that Jess took up a life-long obsession that he loved and excelled at, and sometimes didn’t—golf. Some of his most cherished friendships were formed on the crucible of the tee box. The golf industry was extremely happy to have him as a sponsor.

The Wallace family moved to Utah in 1969 as Jess with partners Charlie Caton, Mack Davenport and Milo Andrus opened the first emergency room at St. Benedict’s hospital (now Ogden Regional Medical Center) in Ogden where he served as Chief of the Department until 1994. In 1982, Jess and his partners opened the NowCare clinics to help provide medical service to a burgeoning population. Jess retired from medicine in 1998.

In retirement, Jess continued to enjoy golf, fishing, grandfatherhood, travel and playing guitar as Kathy accompanied on the piano.

Jess is survived by his wife, Katherine; four children and grandchildren:  Renee and Paul Norris (Katee and Ali); Giles and Julie Wallace; Kelly Wallace; and Zane Wallace (Chase Stone).

He is preceded in death by his parents, Waldemar and Susie Wallace and his brother, Wendell.

A memorial service will be held to honor his life later in the year. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Humane Society of Utah or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

The family wishes to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Ogden Regional Hospital IMC nurses and staff. Godspeed.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11 am at the Ogden Gold & Country Club, 4197 Washington Blvd, 84403, Ogden, Utah.