James Edgar Jester, age 82, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Friday, August 9, 2024, at his home.  He was born December 25, 1941, in Curtis, the son of the late Fines and Erma Story Jester.  James was a member of the Assembly of God Church.  He was a United States Army veteran.  James was retired from Jester Logging as a skidder operator.  He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching the wonders of the Ouachita River in his favorite chair.  James was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Wilburn, Allmon, Clinton and Clarence Jester, five sisters, Lucille Purifoy, Retha Wells, Geraldine Francis, LaVonne Crossley and Bennie Sue Batchelder.

Survivors are one daughter, Karen Jones (Jim) of Arkadelphia, two sons, Keith Jester (Rhonda) of Gurdon and Kenneth Jester (Zach) of Arkadelphia, one sister, Freda Vanlandingham (Wallace) of Little Rock, his best friend, William Noblitt of Cohutta, GA, eight grandchildren, Ryan Norman (Holly), Taylor Norman (Kurt), Kara Hurst (Shay), Jake Jones (Samantha), Hannah Lopez (Blake), Ashley Jester, Gracie Welch (Boe) and Cody Jester, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Honorary pallbearers are Boe Welch, Ryan Norman, Taylor Norman, Paul Sandman, Jake Jones, Todd Masey, Rusty Jester and Jett Jones.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.