I think so, if you start with easier listening jazz music and you become accustomed to the genre, gradually you can get to a point where you can appreciate more of the avant-garde jazz out there. (I recommend cool jazz to start, Chet Baker and the likes)
For example using John Coltrane...
His Ballads album, very easy listening, then you move on through the years in his discography and suddenly it's his spiritual free jazz music, and well, I can't say you'll like but what he's doing is amazing.
At the end of the day if you play an instrument or understand theory your appreciation is heightened due to your understanding of the technicality beneath the music.
