J. Hank Hester

J. Hank Hester , 70

J. Hank Hester - 70 Years old of Priest River, Idaho was called to be with the Lord on Sept. 8th 2025 while fighting the Dragon Bravo fire in Grand Canyon National Park, AZ. Hank was the 3rd child of 6 born to Harold and Helen Hester. Born on Binford St. in Crawfordsville, Indiana, he often said he was brought to Idaho against his will at the age of 3, where he and his family first settled in the city of Athol. Growing up, Hank lived in various locations throughout N. Idaho in Bonner and Kootenai counties. While living in Vay, Id, Hank cut poles in the woods with his father and brothers. He was self-sufficient at an early age. From the age of 14 until 18, while rooming with his friends because his family's home had burned down, he worked at Caswells Gas Station in Rathdrum. Following his work at Caswells, he worked for various Forest Service contractors, planting and cutting trees and building wilderness trails. Hank went on to work at Merritts mill in Priest River. Hank met his wife of 49 years, Janet, in Priest River when he was 18. They both found they had met the love of their lives and married on Oct 26th 1975. By then, Hank had already purchased a 5 acre parcel of land and had a home half finished. Winter work was sparse then, so they left for jobs with local contractors working for the forest service. Trail jobs in Arizona had Hank riding horseback in the wilderness; thousands of miles before the end of the job. When Hank and Janet had 3 children, they settled in to work at home in Idaho until their children became adults and left on their own. Hank owned and operated numerous businesses: Hank Hester Logging, H&H Farms Tree Planting, Hester Well Drilling, Meridian Fishing, North Idaho Land Sales, and Clagstone Land LLC. Hank was known by friends and neighbors for his generosity, often bringing them fish, and eggs from his well-loved flock of backyard chickens. He plowed many a neighbors' driveway for the satisfaction of helping. He loved taking neighborhood kids on excursions; sponsoring days at Silverwood, Bloomsday, the Santa Cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene, motorcycle races and car rides to see local sites. Hank became a grandpa and friend to many. He was an avid motorcyclist, both on the street and on the racetrack, qualifying to race nationals on the asphalt and winning club races in Washington and Oregon. On the street, Hank motorcycled all across the continental US, travelling to Florida, New York and virtually everywhere in between. Hanks' most recent such journey was enjoyed in the company of his wife, Janet on a trip to Glacier National Park this last August 2025. Hank also traveled across parts of Europe and Jamaica with Janet and his sons Kaleb and Nathan. Hank is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Jamie, sons Kaleb and Nathan, mother Helen, brothers John, Jim, Joe and Jack, sister Jennifer, grandchildren Tyler, Nicole, Hank, Koa, Alex, Clarissa, Aidan and Seamus and great-grandchildren Ozzie, Zade, Pele and Axel... He was a hero, a local icon, loving husband and father, brother, uncle, grandfather, son, boss, neighbor and friend. His loss is sorely felt. Hank is now exploring the Heavens and reunited with loved ones who have passed on to greater and eternal lives. The world, however, is left hurting and empty where his golden heart, bravery and bright presence once filled it. Friday, Sept 26th from 12pm to 5pm, Viewing will be at The Sherman-Campbell funeral home, 43 Wisconsin St., Priest River, ID. Saturday, Sept 27th at 11:00am graveside services will be held at Seneacquoteen cemetery off Dufort Rd.



Sept 27th at 12:30pm Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at the Priest River Elementary School gymnasium. Sandwiches, cookies, coffee, tea and punch will be there for all to enjoy as we gather together to honor and remember J. Hank Hester. Side dishes are welcome