On November 29, 2024, after a short but courageous battle, Jess Aaron Clealand-beloved brother, uncle, father, son, and friend-succumbed to the ravages of ALS.

Jess's challenges began at a young age when he tragically lost his parents in a car accident, which also left him with lifelong physical injuries. After a period of recovery, Jess found his way to his second family, where he became the youngest of five children.

Through his struggles, Jess's dry sense of humor and gentle personality defined the person he grew into as an adult. He was a friendly, kind-hearted, and patient man who gave generously of what little he had. Jess was also deeply forgiving, both of others and of himself, as he sought to reconcile his own life and past mistakes. Ultimately, his greatest desire was to enrich the lives of others, which he fulfilled by becoming an organ and tissue donor.

Jess was preceded in death by two sets of parents: Jeffery and Denise Fieffer, as well as Richard and Eileen Cleland. He is survived by his siblings: Muriah (Jensen) Baker, Emily (Jensen) Davis, Clay Jensen, Sheri (Cleland) Merritt, Monica (Cleland) Merrill, Greg Cleland, and Alan Cleland, as well as his son, Dylan Cleland.

A celebration of Jess's life will take place this summer.