James Robert "Jim" Kester's Obituary
James “Jim” Robert Kester, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Hospice of Dayton, at the age of 74. He was born to Robert Clifford Kester and Phyllis Winifred (Oglesbee) Kester on November 17, 1940. He and his bride of 52 years, Beverly (Kibler), together had three daughters, who he loved dearly, Leslie Wheeler (Joe), Christine Gibson, and Barbara Bouy (Tom). Jim retired from G.M. and E.D.S. in 1995, were he worked as a computer programmer. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed planes. From piloting and flying airplanes to attending a huge air show in Wisconsin, he was passionate about aircraft. He placed the first the first weld on the Wright B Flyer replica displayed in Dayton, he was the Vice President of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and he even built his own sidewinder from blueprints. He enjoyed boating and fishing with his family and the many trips to Caesar’s Creek and Lake Cumberland that they took over the years. A skilled, loving man, and a proud husband, father, and grandfather, there is much to be missed about Jim. He is survived by his wife and three daughters, 6 grandchildren Michael, Joshua (Ashley), Rebecca, Ryan (Robyn), Jacob, and Zachary, 2 great-grandchildren Jeffrey and Jamez, as well as one brother Thomas Kester (Alice), and one sister Kay Opper (Gary). The family invites you to a visitation to celebrate his life on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 2-3 pm at CONNER & KOCH Life Celebration Home, 92 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook (937-848-6651). Life Celebration service will follow at 3 pm. In memory of Jim, contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (www.msfocus.org) and Experimental Aircraft Association (www.eaa.org). To share a story or memory of James or to send a condolence to the family, go to www.ConnerandKoch.com and click on his name.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?