He was born to Arnold and Rebecca (Spangler) Lester on June 26, 1935 in Christiansburg, VA.
Jim graduated from Galesburg High School. He went to Reedley Jr. College, Fresno State.
He first married Karen Maltby in San Jose, CA and they had two children, Debra Lester and Philip Lester Elliot. He later married Marilyn Wenglarz in Hot Springs Arkansas. She Survives. They have three children, Tim (Kellie) Lester of Edwards, IL Tina (Mike) Nena of Batavia, IL and Todd (Aimee) Lester of Mahomet, IL.
Also surviving is his sister, Kathy (Richard) Young, six grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard Lester, Gene Lester; and one grandson, Matthew Nena.
Jim has been honored to be inducted into Galesburg High School Sports Hall of Fame, Reedley College Sports Hall of Fame, Fresno State Sports Hall of Fame and Fresno City Sports Hall of Fame.
Jim played for the White Sox Semi-pro Granum baseball team out of Lethbridge, Alberta Canada.
Jim spent most of his adult life in the insurance and investment business, working for Lincoln Financial. Jim was a member of Arrowhead Country Club, Landmark Recreation Center and the YMCA.
Cremation rites have been entrusted with Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel.
A visitation will be held 1:00-2:30 pm on Friday October 26, 2018 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel.
A memorial service will follow at 2:30 pm.
Burial will be held at Parkview Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate or TAPS Animal Shelter in Pekin, IL.
