OBITUARY
James Ernest Brester DVM
April 22, 1942 – December 22, 2020
James Ernest Brester DVM, 78, of Bean Blossom died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, December 22, 2020 in his home. He was born April 22, 1942 in Indianapolis to Max William Brester and Ruth Jessup Brester. He was a Veterinarian for over 50 years at Bean Blossom Animal Clinic.
Survivors include his wife Paulette Brester of Bean Blossom; his children, Joseph Brester of Bean Blossom, Theresa (Mike) Taylor of Wooster, Ohio, Anna (Rob) Gartner of Bean Blossom and Jeb (Eliza) Brester of Bean Blossom; 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Fred Brester; and a grandson, Evan Taylor.
Dr. Brester was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, the Brown County Humane Society, 4-H and the Brown County Community Center Scholarship fund. He was a long time veterinarian for a wide area, people would bring their pets from several counties for him to treat. He enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, raising cattle, and cutting firewood. It was thought that he mowed every yard in Bean Blossom except for 2.
Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Agnes Catholic Church, burial will be in Weeping Willow Cemetery.
If friends so desire, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul of Brown County, P O Box 577, Nashville, IN 47448.
Memories
James Ernest Brester DVM
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYRachel Marschke - Bish
January 4, 2021
I will never forget the care he gave to my family and my community. He helped in many ways, and served as an inspiration in the way I practice medicine now. I am blessed by fond memories of Dr. Brester.
beth harris
December 31, 2020
doc b was a true hero as long as i can remember we took our animals there. as an adult continued to take my animals there choosing to wait for long hours didnt need one of those fancy clinics doc b was just fine. thanks for caring rip doc
Jean & Larry Ervin
December 30, 2020
One special man/ doctor of all animals. He saved our Remington/doberman and told us to bring him back immediately if no changes were noticed in the next 24 hrs. He gave us the salve to put on the spider bite. We could sense his concern.
We are truly blessed to have known him.
Larry & Jean
Karen McNeely
December 30, 2020
You were truly an Angel....even though you talked more to my furbabies (6 of whom met you at the end of the Rainbow🌈Bridge) than you did me, I felt your heart of gold and have never witnessed the compassion you showered on all animals. I heard that the 🌈 Bridge almost collapsed from your welcoming furfamily...🥰🥰🐾🐾🐾💔
Jim Key
December 29, 2020
There are few people we meet who rank as some variation of the holy man, just for quietly doing what best expresses what they are made of.
What Dr. Brester tirelessly did on any given day, for decades, would shame the endurance of an athlete. Over the years, my friends expressed in different ways what one plainly spoke one day. "What are we going to do when Dr. Brester isn't around anymore?" We recognized what a treasure and a rarity he was.
It was a lucky privilege to even have access to his experience and wisdom, and his presence and manner added something else into the mix. Dr. Brester was one of those people before whom I would shut my mouth and listen, in attentive appreciation.
-- JimKey
Ed & Cindy Bucker
December 27, 2020
Many thanks for the wonderful care you gave to our pets over the years. You were a special person. Condolences to the family.
Theresa OConnell
December 27, 2020
To the family of Doc Brester- your husband, your father, your grandfather meant so much to so many. Both two-legged and four-legged (and sometimes, three). I don't think I've ever met anyone who led a more impactful life than he did and I am grateful for the compassionate care he gave all the animals.
Sharon Roth
December 27, 2020
Jim was such a kind, caring, compassionate and giving man. He was so gentle with our animals. He would put his hand on one of our cats and they would mellow. He always told our cats he was sorry after giving them a shot. Jim and Paulette became our good friends. Don always said he and Jim followed each other with their physical problems. My heart ❤️ hurts for Paulette and her family. I am sure Jim is seeing all the animals he treated. Don is probably fishing with Jim now. Don would fish in their pond and always bring them fish he had caught. My prayers are with you and your family Paulette 🙏
Bonnie Camp
December 26, 2020
When I moved to southeast Georgia I was so torn about not seeing Dr. Brester. I did not let 800 miles one way stop me from taking my dogs to him every summer. He was a man of few words but loved saving animals and helping others in Africa. I didn’t travel from another county, I traveled across states to get excellent veterinary care that I could afford. He was a kind man and allowed many pet owners to love their fur babies longer. He was a good man and will be missed terribly!
Susie Wallen
December 26, 2020
He really didn't talk much when he was seeing my pets. He was too busy for small talk. He was devoted to only the animals that people brought into his world. Thank you for all that you have given of yourself❣ Rest In Peace
Nathan Cundiff
December 26, 2020
It was a true Blessing to know this kind man who would come to my neighbors house to give all her zoo of animals their shots and then drove one house down to our house and gave our dogs their shots so we wouldn't have to make the trip to his facility, he didn't have to do any of the many amazing things that he did he was a true Angel who actually cared about the animals not the money and that's what sets him in a totally different catagory from other vets who will straight up turn you and your animal away in a heartbeat if you don't have the money to pay for the visit or the emergency situation! God Bless you all during this difficult time!
Diane Clark
December 26, 2020
We came from Columbus Indiana he was the best around and the price was fair
David Brown
December 24, 2020
He was such a kind, wonderful man. Taking our pets to him while growing up in Brown County is one of my favorite memories of living there.
JOAN MAYFIELD
December 24, 2020
Me again with a memory.
Hubs and I took the kids when they were young to Cincinnati for a weekend to do King's Island and the zoo. Driving home the straight shot on the country roads, I was driving, there was a dead animal in the road so I straddled it vs run it over again. Then Hubs shouted it's alive, it had stuck it's head up. So sure enough we turned around. Not one house on the road would claim the injured young cat. One did give us a box. So we turned to the clinic when we hit Nashville. Jim wouldn't charge one penny for treating the cat since we had picked it up. He got the biggest hoot out of the fact that we named it Roadkill. And he loved the stories we told him of our decent little Hoosier kids boasting to the teachers at grade school that 'they played with Roadkill.' And they'd stand in the yard by the road and yell for that cat 'Here Roadkill. Here Roadkill.' I carry that grin and the twinkle in his eyes. It was a very simple happiness, the little moments that meant big things that he had from his work. Sharing so his family can hear that his legacy, the memories of him, will keep his soul alive on earth.
Janet Vanderdussen
December 24, 2020
In my college days I would find homes for shelter dogs whose “time was up.” Doc Brester would spay/neuter and give them their shots for pennies. One night around 10 pm, I got a call from Doc. He said, “I have an abused Irish Setter here. I’m supposed to put her to sleep. I just can’t. My wife won’t let me bring home another dog. Can you try to find a home for this poor little dog?” I said, “Yes.” I picked her up the next day. She was skin and bones. Someone had burned her with cigarettes. Doc Brester gave her all the medical care she needed and wouldn’t take a nickel from me. A few months later, a professor at Indiana University and his wife adopted this sweet Irish Setter and named her Twila. They sent me a Christmas picture of her. I couldn’t believe she was the same abused little dog that Doc just couldn’t give up on. Some people have a good heart. Doc Bester has a great heart. He cared for all my pets with loving hands. Open the gates of Heaven for a true Man of God.
Brian Roth
December 24, 2020
Dr. Brester was a good friend to my Dad and had always been good to my Mom and Dad over the years and went to the same church. It always amazed me no matter how crazy the animal was as soon as Jim's hand touched it the animals seemed to feel a calm come over them. Jim didn't have many words but he had a heart of gold especially where animals were concerned and always apologized to them when giving them a needle. I wish his family the best and rest assured Dr. Brester is in a better place now with many many companions. Peace
Judi Benson
December 24, 2020
RIP MY DEAR FRIEND JIM.. I AM SO SADDEND FOR THE LOSS OF DOC... I FIRST MET JIM WHEN I WAS 8 YRS OLD HE HAS TAKN GREAT CARE OF ME N ALL MY CRITTERS ALL MY LIFE! FOR THAT I THANK HIM. I TOO SAT ON THE TABLES N HIS OFFICE SEEKING HELP! HE WAS A GREAT MAN HE EVEN HAS GATHERD MYSELF OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ME ALSO A STRAY ANIMAL... HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR ME DAY N NITE EAGER TO HELP ME WITH AN ANIMAL N DISTRESS.. IV NEVERKNOWN A GREATER MAN WITH DUCH A DIVOTION TO HIS JOB.. WHEN I LIVED ON COVERD BRIDGE ROAD MY SON N I WALKD DAILY TO VISIT KENO THE LION NEXT DOOR AT JUNGLE JACK N MARYS.. I WAS TOUGHT BY THE BEST N THE HOW TOS OF ANIMAL CARE N HE IS Y I HAVE DONE MY YEARS OF ANIMAL CARE AND RESCUE HE GAVE ME SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE AS WELL AS BEING MY GREAT FRIEND.. JIM UR ALWAYS GOING TO LIVE THRU ME WITH MY CRITTER RESCUE AND CARE AND LOVE. U HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE GREATEST INFLUENCES N MY LIFE AND THANK U IS QUITE AN UNDERSTATEMENT! MY CRITTERS N I LOVE U DEEPLY N THERE JUST ARNT ANY WORDS I CAN FIND TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS OF SADNESS AT LOSING U! THANK U MY LIFETIME FRIEND IM CERTIAN ANGEL CRITTERS WILL FLY U HIGH... REST N PEACE MY FRIEND. WE LOVE U. 😥😖🙀
JUDI N CRITTERS
Kimberly Frye
December 24, 2020
Doc bres was and always will be the best veterinarian . He took care of my fur babies like they were his own . I've watched him bring puppies , colts and kittens into this world . He will be greatly missed for the love he had in his heart for all fur babies he cared for .
Linda Haines
December 24, 2020
I feel so blessed to have known Dr. Brester and have never known anyone in his profession as kind and generous as he was in helping people afford to provide care for their furry loved ones. I adopted a mother dog and her four 10 day old puppies many years ago. One puppy had problems in keeping her food down. He literally gave me medicine to help her and did not charge me. I was so grieved by the things he had to go through in regard to the turmoil of the jealousies of other vets. But in all that trying time, he remained a faithful servant of God honoring Him in his work and love of animals and his clients. Thank you Dr. Brester. You blessed my life. You are walking those streets of gold now with our Lord and Savior and there is not a pain in your body. Glory to God! So happy you are able to see your precious grandson again. May God fill your family and all who love you with peace and strength. May God comfort them and help them through this difficult time. I will be praying for you all. God bless.
Susan Fletcher
December 24, 2020
My heart is so heavy to hear of Doc Brester’s passing. There is not another like him. He had a heart of gold.He was our vet from the time I was a little girl showing pigs in 4-H. He would come to our house for whatever we needed. As I got older he came to my house to take care of the needs of my horses and dogs all in one visit. One morning I turned a lab pup out and apparently she got bitten by a snake; still not sure how he got to my house so fast as I live in Unionville. I will forever remember his soft spoken words, smile and his heart. I know you as a family had to sacrifice a lot in order to share him with so many. I will be praying for you all. Prayers and Blessings, Susan Fletcher
Kelly Godme
December 24, 2020
Thank you Dr. Brester...I can't count the times you helped my 4-legged grandchildren! You always knew just by looking. Your gift to animals was simply amazing. Condolences to your family, let the memories ease your pain and bring joy to you in the future! You will certainly be missed by all!
Judy Barnes
December 24, 2020
So sorry to hear of Dr. Jim's passing. I remember bringing animals to him when he first started out. Thank you for taking care of all of them.
Becky Roberts
December 24, 2020
Many years ago, one of my cats had woke me up in the middle of the night screeching. I thought for sure she had fallen and hit her head, she was all lopsided and making noise, strange movement, etc. I called the clinic, not even sure why since it was in middle of night, but Dr. Brester answered. He was doing surgeries and told me to bring her in and he would look at her. He truly cared about her and that is what I loved about this man. He wanted to help animals. I didn't always agree with some of his practices, but I knew he was trying to help but keep cost down for folks. He will be missed by many.
Tim Standeford
December 24, 2020
I just can't stop thinking about the loss of this great man and some of the memories I have of being in his office when I was just starting out with my family sometimes I had to make a decision between putting food on the table or giving my pets the proper care thanks to dr.
Brester I could do both
Lisa Burton
December 24, 2020
I have taken my pets to Dr. Brester for a long time. You could tell that he truly cared about the well being of every pet. He was a kind, caring man. RIP
Guy Knaus
December 24, 2020
I did a fundraiser in 2019 at his clinic. I asked him to autograph 2 shirts so I could auction them off during the fundraiser. He said, now why would anyone want that? I said Doc you’d be surprised. So he signed them. Auctioned them off for a hundred plus dollars each. He smiled from ear to ear at me. Took several dogs to him over the years...he was awesome and one of a kind. Miss you Dr. B.
Diane McGuire
December 23, 2020
Dr. Brester was truly an Amazing Vet!!❤️ He loves Bosley almost as much as I do. He cared deeply for all his ‘patients and their parents’. Each time, I felt so Blessed to take Bosley in to see him.
You are Sooo Appreciated and you have HUGE cloud of witnesses and ‘friends’ to greet you!!!!❤️🐶❤️🐰🦊❤️🦉❤️🐴🐗❤️🦨❤️🐏🐖❤️🦜❤️🐄🐎❤️🐿🐭🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾including Bosley💞
Jennifer COlvin
December 23, 2020
This man was one of a kind. So sweet and gentle and the only one I took my pets to for a long time. Prayers to the family for this difficult loss. May god bless you.
Debbie Burton
December 23, 2020
RIP dearest Jim , you’ve earned a rest , Those you leave behind will Morn our lost of this great gentle man . In our hearts always and we will never forget you .
Chris Weidman
December 23, 2020
A one of a kind vet. He always told our animals, after he gave them a shot, that he was sorry. I always looked forward to seeing him no matter which of our animals needed his help, and always felt better after seeing him!
Our sincere condolences to the family
Bless your hearts!
Such an extra special man!
Sara Parks-Steinbrook
December 23, 2020
He took special care of so many of my pets and I appreciate him so much. Rest in Heaven.
Melissa Dewey
December 23, 2020
This just breaks my heart, Doc was an amazing human being , I enjoyed my time working with him back in the day, had a lot of great laughs, the man knew his stuff, and the empathy he put into others and their pets, he loved his family endlessly ... you will be so missed Doc... Thank You for being the kind person you were ... it’s time for you to rest now ... R.I.H. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Janice Lindstrom
December 23, 2020
Anna and Family, so very saddened by the passing of your Dad.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jan (Bevel) Lindstrom
Joan Mayfield
December 23, 2020
The real story was sitting in the waiting room and watching the parade.
Thank you Jim, my children got to know a true pioneer.
Artina Henderson
December 23, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Brester. He was the best vet anyone could ever ask for. He cared so much for my furbabies. He knew how much they meant to me and always treated them awesomely!! He always cared more for the babies than the money he could have made.
He was such a wonderful man and will be greatly missed!
Robin Allison
December 23, 2020
All the pets in heaven are now in the best of care. Your love and devotion will be missed. Rest In Peace to a remarkable man. You will never be forgotten!
Rick Parker
December 23, 2020
God Bless Jim Brester. Reckon it was the mileage, not the time that wore him out. Up b4 the sun out doing large animal rounds. Wonder just how many miles he put on the work trucks he wore out?? I spent more than a few mornings covered in cow manure and mud helping Jim wrangle, castrate, and vaccinate Grandpa's cattle. Jim was always a soft spoken, dry wit and an example of how a man got the job done. Regardless of obstacle. I know the community has missed him since he retired and his family has my deepest sympathy.
Quasi's Mama
December 23, 2020
Dr Brester was the BEST!!! He gave me hope when every vet in Indianapolis had told me to give up...My baby boy Quasimodo wasn't even supposed to live to be a year old but with Doc's help he lived a much longer and much loved life!! I'm sure he went to find the Rainbow Bridge the minute he touched down in Heaven and I bet my Quasi was right there trying to be the first to greet him!!! I want to thank his family from the bottom of my heart for sharing him with us and our animals!!! You will all be in my prayers <3
Joe laraine Gunter
December 23, 2020
Thank you Dr you were the BEST HUMBLE CARING VET THAT WE EVER KNEW for years YEARS for our fur babes cattle horses etc the best!!!!!! now you can Rest easy in a beautiful place . You will be missed
Sincerely
Joe Laraine Gunter
Rhonda Reynolds
December 23, 2020
Doc Brester was one of the most caring people. He looked at no animal any different than the next. He did everything he could to help them. He will be missed. I will be thinking of his family during this time.
Dean Hacker
December 23, 2020
Dr. Brewster was the kindest , most generous , hardest working person I have ever known. He was also the most genuinely big hearted soul I ever met . God be with his family through their loss.
Carolyn Barnett
December 23, 2020
He was a kind and generous vet people from miles away came to see him
Carolyn Kean
December 23, 2020
He was a very precious and generous man. One thing I always remember him doing was to say sorry before giving animals shots. Just a little kind of gesture that meant a lot! R.I.P Dr Brester