John was born on August 16, 1954 in Monroe, Louisiana and was the son of Clarence and Edith (Brazil) Jester. He graduated from Reynolds High School in 1972 and he later worked as a tow truck driver before he lost his second leg for multiple tow truck companies in the Portland Metro Area. He then became a dispatcher for A&B Towing before his 2 heart surgeries. In the early 1970’s he married Cindy Backman and they had one son. They were later divorced. John continued residing in East County until his death and was recently attending St. Henry Catholic Church in Gresham.
John was a very talented very personable individual. He loved music so much that was the drummer for a band and also took up singing. He was a people person. He greeted everyone with a smile and always put other’s needs first. He never complained despite the medical hardships he faced on a daily basis. He was a fighter; he had a positive outlook on life and was one of the most gracious people. It was truly inspiring to his family and his many, many friends.
John is survived by his son, Josh Backman of Vancouver, brothers, Clay (wife, Karen) Jester of Gresham and Ernest Jester along with his caregiver and friend, Chad Brawley of Portland and 1 grandson, Ethan Bachman.
A celebration of John’s of Life will be on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 10:00 am at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at Douglass Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of John to the American Kidney Fund. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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