Jess Robert Pilkington (66), of rural Minatare passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday, November 18, 2022. His funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Mitchell Berean Church in Mitchell with Pastor Giles Armstrong officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Services will be livestreamed on Bridgman Funeral Home Facebook Page. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Jess’s honor be made in care of the Mitchell Berean Church or 11.13 Ministries for God’s Grace Mobile Meals. Online condolences may be made by viewing Jess’s memorial page at bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Jess was born to Donald (Jess) and Dorothy Pilkington on October 20th, 1956, in Scottsbluff NE. He attended Scottsbluff High School where he was honored as homecoming king and class president his senior year. After graduating high school in 1975, he attended Nebraska Western Community College and General Motors Institute earning his bachelor’s degree. Jess moved home to Scottsbluff and married Joni Eskam on January 28, 1984. They have two daughters, JaCee and JaLee.
Those who knew Jess understood he had three things that made his world go round: his family, golf, and serving his clients. And, sometimes on occasion, Husker football. Jess had a kindness and heart that permeated everyone he met. He was always the first to ask about your family or how he could help support you. It didn’t matter how busy he was or what he was going through, he would drop everything to offer advice or an upbeat dose of positivity. He was a continual light in the darkness for those that knew him. His encouraging presence will be missed by so many that cherished his friendship.
Jess served his community as a financial advisor with Edward Jones for the past 25 years. He had an incredible bond with many of his clients and cared for them deeply. Many depended on him for guidance during life’s most altering times such as this. He mentored nearly hundreds of financial advisors, earning him the Edward Jones Spirit of Caring Aware multiple times. Many would never know it, as humble as he was, Jess was honored as a top advisor within his firm at Leader’s Conference for the past several years. He also loved working alongside his daughter for the last eight years.
Most of all, Jess found his true joy in living through his family and friends. He was happiest reading with his granddaughter Olivia or playing a round of golf. His legacy will be best honored by his golden rule “treating people the way you’d like to be treated.”
He is survived by his wife Joni and two daughters, JaCee (Michael) Petko and JaLee Pilkington both of Scottsbluff, NE; granddaughter Olivia Petko; brother Brian (Linda) Pilkington, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and very special friends.
He is proceeded in death by both of his parents, Donald and Dorothy Pilkington of Scottsbluff, NE and infant brother, David Pilkington.