Jesse Arthur Arrington

Colville resident Jesse Arthur Arrington, age 78, passed away Dec. 24, 2025, in Colville, Wash. Jess was born June 7, 1947, in Omak, Wash., to Arthur and June (Reeves) Arrington.

Those who knew him well described Jess as being “larger than life.” He was a big man in stature and personality. He could be somewhat intimidating like a grizzly bear, but underneath, he was a Big Jolly Guy…super spontaneous. He had no filter. Jess just said what he needed to say. He loved to play, party, and have fun, often going to extremes. In his early years, Jess wanted experiences and to have nice things. Over time, all of that seemed trivial. Jess became more sentimental and nostalgic. He knew he couldn’t make up for lost time with his children, but he tried to make things better despite not always knowing how to do so.

An avid outdoorsman, Jess loved being in the woods. He was a hard worker and worked as a successful logger and logging contractor for many years. He often smelled of chopped wood and Irish Spring soap. When he wasn’t working in the woods, he was playing. Jess loved to hunt, fish, and just experience the outdoors. He also enjoyed his boat, spending many hours on Kootenay Lake and cruising up and down the Columbia River.

Jess was known for being particular about how things should be done. And in most instances, “being done” referred to being done his way. He was meticulous in many ways, but that attention to detail didn’t always follow logic. It didn’t matter one’s experience or training; Jess always had a plan as to how to proceed.

Jess is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Arrington (Joan Arrington) and June Francisco (John Francisco). He is survived by his sons, Troy Arrington (Tammy Arrington) of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Kyle Arrington (Randee Arrington) of Spokane, Wash.: daughters Corie Kelly (Ryan Kelly) of Kennewick, Wash., and Carla Palpalatok (Paul Palpalatok) of Spokane, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; sister, Sally Pierce (Ralph Pierce) of Northport, Wash.; stepbrothers John McGill (Gena McGill) and Pat McGill; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Jess will be laid to rest in the Washington State Veterans’ Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. A Memorial service is being planned for this summer, 2026. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with his care.