James M. Hester

James Myron Hester, 81, of Palatka, died Saturday Sept. 4, 2010, at his home after a short illness. He was a native of Dublin, N.C., and lived in Palatka since 1989, coming from Petersburg, Va., where he lived from 1967-1989. He had owned and operated Perma Shine in Palatka for 15 years and was a member of Pineland Lodge #86 F&AM and the Putnam County Shrine Club. He had been a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of the River City and a former member of the Kiwanis Club of the Azalea City, both in Palatka. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and in 2005 was recognized for 10,000 volunteered hours with the Florida State Parks, specifically the Ravine Gardens. In 2005, he received the Presidents Call to Service Award. He was a U.S. Army/Air Force veteran of World War II and enjoyed working with his hands, gardening and working on cars.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gail Hester of Palatka; two daughters, Myra Jane Bell and husband, Richard of Senoia, Ga., and Marsha Kay Hester of Los Angles, Calif.; six sons, James Douglas Hester and wife, Marsha of Richmond, Va., Gerald Glen Hester of Peachtree City, Ga., Dale Alan Hester and wife, Audrey and Reginald Dean Hester, all of Chesterfield, Va,. James William Hester of Colonial Heights, Va., and Jeffery Dean Robertson of Wilmington, N.C.; two sisters, Arlene Matthews and Ida V. Vann, both of Dublin, N.C.; brother, Halford Dane Hester of Waverly, Va.; six grandchildren, Jason Reagor, Raymond Hester, Sara Ashley Hester, Ashley Robertson, Joshua Robertson, and Taylor Robertson; and two great-grandchildren, Judah Nix Reagor and Caden Hester.

No services are planned at this time. Memorial donations can be made to: Hospice of the Nature Coast, 6721 Crill Avenue, Palatka, FL, 32177 or to the American Cancer Society, 600 Zeagler Drive, Palatka, FL 32177. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.JohnsonOverturfFunerals.com

Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka is in charge of arrangements.