I worked with Jim for over 30 years and he was my mentor for most of those years. I first reached out to him without knowing him personally when I was given a new job that I wasn't qualified for. He took me under his wing and trained me. He was there to give me advice when I was struggling with my religion. He was there to offer comfort when our daughter passed away. He was there when I needed advice to make many life changing decisions. He always offered sage advice whether it was professional or personal in nature. I was lucky to know him and he will be sorely missed by many. I pray for your comfort in your grief.  

Jim took a chance on a young but eager college student and hired me as a CO-OP. I worked for Jim for nine years and he taught me the ways of NASA! He will be truly missed, and I owe my career at NASA to him. 

My prayers go out to his family and loved ones he left behind. 

I worked with Jim on an electronics experiment as part of the MISSE-7B payload.  He was an excellent mentor.  I also attended Mass with him at St. Joseph's.  He will be missed, and I extend my sympathy to his family.  Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.  May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

I met Jim in the mid-90's when I was working at Goddard Space Flight Center. Since I moved to Huntsville in 2003, we shared an office and have gone on well over 40 business trips together. On those trips we worked hard during the day and shared many relaxing evenings at the end of those days; and got to know each other far beyond co-worker status (and right now we would be debating whether that should have been a comma or a semi-colon😊). He was my friend and mentor and I have tried my best to soak up the immeasurable knowledge he was always sharing. Godspeed Jim. I am forever grateful for the time we've shared.

I worked with Jim in the NASA-MSFC Astrionics Laboratory for many years in C-wing. My first image of Jim is of him sitting in his office and talking with Jerry McDaniel with his door wide open. Jim was a very knowledgeable engineer and served in a supervisor position in the Packaging and (EEE) Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical Parts Branches. He often had someone in his office seeking his flight hardware experience, sound technical advice and information. I got to know Jim when traveling with him and others as we were assigned to a Failure Analysis Team for Center Director Jack Lee on STS-4 in 1982 when the Space Shuttle (SRB) Solid Rocket Booster motors sank from disconnected parachutes.  Jim’s engineering knowledge of flight hardware was invaluable then and now he has left for reference a library of NASA published documents in his field of expertise. Jim was also a down to earth person always enjoying taking off a few weeks to help friends and neighbors bale and harvest hay on his and on his neighbors north Alabama property. Jim will be missed as his soul takes flight after a long and rewarding life of dedicated work. We pray for the comfort of his wife Judith and for the family at this difficult time in their life.
Ted Edge

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  Praying for comfort and strength during this time.  We Love You,

Condolences and Prayers for Your Family!!  Jim Hester, MSFC/ES33

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James "Jim" Frederick Blanche

April 20, 1933 – July 15, 2022

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