James Kester

JAMES D. KESTER, 68, of Arcola, IL went to be with his heavenly Father at 10:30 A.M. on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Arcola. Rev. Paul Etherton and Rev. Jess Adams officiated. Burial was in the Dieterich Cemetery in Dieterich, IL. Visitation with Masonic Rites was held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Arcola. The Edwards Funeral Home assisted with funeral arrangements.

Jim was born on January 24, 1941 in Effingham, IL. He is the son of Willie E. and Bethel L. (Leturno) Kester. He married Pattie Woods on July 30, 1961 in Bogota, IL.

He is survived by his wife Pattie of Arcola, IL, one son Philip Kester of Laramie, WY; two grandsons, Christian and Wraith Kester both of Arcola, IL; his mother Bethel Kester of Dieterich, IL; two sisters, Charlotte Bailey and her husband Bob of Cheyenne, WY and Glenda Painter and her husband Gary of Dieterich, IL; his aunt Gladys Gaddey and her husband James of Joplin, MO and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a very special church family.

He is preceded in death by his father.

Jim barbered for twenty-two years and retired on October 30, 2009.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Arcola, the Arcola Masonic Lodge 366 AF and AM, the Arcola VFW post 7862, the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association and numerous wildlife associations.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends especially his “boys”, his son and grandsons.

Memorials were made to the American Cancer Association or to Jim’s family.