
WYNNE
By day, Jacob Hess is a single, 30-year-old property and casualty insurance agent. On the weekends and evenings, he is involved in both his church and community.
At St. Peter Church in Wynne, he is an usher, Eucharistic minister and lector, sometimes serving in all three roles at the same Mass. He trains and schedules the altar servers, teaches confirmation and faith formation classes and helps his cousin, Lana Ampueda, with the Wednesday night high school program.
He is a part-time volunteer firefighter in the Wynne Fire Department and an active member and past president of his local Rotary Club. He is on the board of the Cross County Chamber of Commerce.
Hess grew up in a mixed-faith home. His father was Pentecostal, and his mother was Catholic, and his five half-siblings are now members of different denominations. He attended local public schools and was not involved with campus ministry at Arkansas State University. It wasn’t until after he graduated that he began to take his faith seriously.
He credits his grandfather David Hess with nurturing his active faith.
“When I was growing up, my grandpa got me into church. I was always with him, and it was kind of a rule that ‘if you’re with me, you’re going to church.’ I was an altar server, but my faith didn’t become strong until I became an adult, more grounded and disciplined,” he said.
He remains close to his grandfather, his role model and inspiration.
If you could watch the live taping of any show (past or present) what would it be and why?
“I’m very much a fan of older TV shows and sitcoms, always liked ‘The Carol Burnett Show,’ and love to see the actors try to stay in character during the skits without laughing.”
More stories will appear in our 15 Young Adults Who Inspire Us 2024 Section as they are posted online.