James Arthur Lester, 77, of Jacksonville, Ga. passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2020 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. He was born on March 05, 1943 to the late William Lee and Leila McKinnon-Lester in Telfair County, Ga. James was educated and graduated from Telfair High School. He was employed with Douglas Foods where he was a supervisor working in Retort for many years until his health would no longer allow him to work. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Helen Harrell-Lester and was united in holy matrimony on April 8, 1963 and to this union four children were born, James Anthony, Christopher, William Desmond and Brandon Lester. James was an active member and steward at Rock Hill CME Church where he served in many capacities. He was very dutiful and dependable in his church and other churches throughout the community. James was a quiet and mild mannered man that had very little to say and will always be remembered as such. He enjoyed hunting, farming cattle and occasional fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and family.
James was preceded in death by both parents, Leila and William Lee Lester; his son, James Anthony Lester; his brothers, William, Simon and Charlie J. Lester and his sister, Margaret Wilcox.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of (57) years, Helen Harrell-Lester, Jacksonville, Ga.; his sons, Christopher (Debora) Lester, Douglas, Ga., William Desmond (Kutura) Lester and Brandon (Nancy) Lester, both of Jacksonville, Ga.; his daughter, Pamela Lester, Broxton, Ga.; his siblings, Amanda Ervin, Inkster, Michigan, Maude Vereen, Belle Glade, Fl., Lerlean Smith, Fitzgerald, Ga. and Horace (Evelyn) Lester, Jacksonville, Ga.; his sisters in-law, Geraldine Riley-Lester, Omaha, Nebraska and Queen Lester, Jacksonville, Ga.; a forever daughter in-law, "Trish", St. Marys, Ga.; (14) grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.
A walk thru viewing will be held at his church, Rockhill CME Church, 5617 US Hwy 441, Jacksonville, Ga. 31544 on Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 12 noon until 3:00 pm. *Please refrain from being seated inside of the church, this is not a visitation/wake, but a signing of the guest book and WALK THRU VIEWING.
A graveside burial will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2020 @ 1:00 p.m. at Rockhill Church Cemetery, Jacksonville, Ga.
*Those planning to attend either or both events- We ask kindly that you wear your PPE (masks) and observe the 6ft. distancing guidelines set by our local authorities and the CDC to better protect against the spread of the COVID 19 virus. Your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated.