John Hess's website (blog) reported his death as follows:

Friday, January 21, 2005


John Hess (1917-2005)

John L. Hess died this morning at the age of 87. He passed away peacefully in
his sleep.


Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are ---
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.