James Wesley Chester

James Wesley Chester, 80, of Trucksville passed away Thursday in Kindred Hospital, Wilkes-Barre.

Born April 11, 1932 in Aliquippa, son of the late Henry and Bertha (Cunningham) Chester. He was a graduate of Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. James was the north east regional director of the Pennsylvania Deptartment of Environmental Protection.

During his time as regional director, he was involved in three important projects, the clean up of the Agnes Flood, the Butler Mine Tunnel and the giardia water infestation.

He operated an environmental service company specializing in remediation services. He served on the boards of Family Services, the Joint Community Relations Group and as chairman of the Wyoming Valley Human Service Commission.

He was a member of Interested Adults, African American Committee, board of directors for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Conservancy Executive Committee, Northeastern Network Inc., and founder and president of the Institute for African American National Heritage. He had a passion for music and played guitar for many years with the BB Kays Expedition.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond.

He is survived by his wife, the former E. Ann Clark; children, J. Daryll Chester, Trucksville; Stephanie S. Chester, Dallas; Mark W. Chester, Nanticoke; grandchildren, Ryan, Noelle and Elijah; brother, Bennie Bell, Philadelphia.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home Inc., 568 Bennett St., Luzerne with the Rev. Ann Marie Acacio officiating.

Friends may call from 6 p.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association. To light a virtual candle or leave a message of condolence for his family, please visit www.betzjastremski.com.