Jess Oppenheimer (November 11, 1913 - December 27, 1988) Lucille Ball called Jess Oppenheimer "the brains" behind I Love Lucy (1951), and with good reason. As series creator, producer, and head writer, "Jess was the creative force behind the 'Lucy' show," confirms director William Asher. "He was the field general. Jess presided over all the ...