Covered civil rights movement in the south (Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas) in the 1960s.  Jess says “I’ve been dog bit, tear gassed and shot at and had an absolute ball.”

News Director for all news KRLD and news talk WFAA in Dallas in the 70s.

Bought a radio station in Northwest Arkansas in 1982 and sold it 1988.  That’s when he joined KIX104 as news director.

Has won two National Headliner Club Awards for excellent reporting from the National Press Club in Atlantic City and two Katie Awards from the Dallas Press Club and a pocket full of regional reporting awards.

Served in the U-S Army 1960 to 1962 and has worked as a sports play by play announcer, college basketball and football referee, a deputy sheriff, church pastor and image character at Silver Dollar City.

Is married to Dr. Debbie Hardwick-Smith who is principal of Parson Hills Elementary School  in Springdale.