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About
James Hester Obituary
November 14, 1934 - April 16, 2025
James passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, in Woody, California, at the age of 90.
Born on November 14, 1934, in La Mesa, Texas, to James and Mollissie Hester, Jim lived a long life-his way, in his style. He graduated from Shafter High School in 1953 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army while stationed in Germany-an experience he cherished throughout his life.
Jim enjoyed a long and successful career as a salesman. He was known for his tenacity, persistence, and determination-truly a salesman to the end.
He is survived by his daughters, Dianna and Lisa, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Lori.
Jim's passions were as spirited as he was. From classic cars and car clubs to motorcycles and sailboats, he embraced each interest with genuine enthusiasm. Though he didn't enjoy coffee, you could often find him in local coffee shops, connecting with friends and neighbors. In his later years, nothing brought him more joy than working on his mountain property-always upgrading, improving, and planning his next big project.
He approached life on his own terms. As those who knew him best would say:
"Jim did life his way."
We are deeply grateful for the support and kindness shown by Jim's friends and his community during this time.
Services
Memorial Service
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Bakersfield National Cemetery
30338 East Bear Mountain Blvd.
Arvin, CA
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Hodel's Country Dining
5917 Knudsen Drive
Bakersfield, CA
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Lisa Wojciechowski
June 16, 2025
There are no words that can fully express how deeply grateful we are for your love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time. Your thoughtful gestures, comforting presence, and quiet strength have meant more to us than we can say.
In moments of sorrow, it is the compassion of others that carries us through - and your care brought us light when we needed it most. We will never forget the comfort you gave us, or the genuine warmth of your heart.
Please accept our heartfelt thanks for standing with us when it was most needed.
With sincere appreciation,
The Hester Family
Lisa Wojciechowski
June 10, 2025
Lisa Wojciechowski
June 9, 2025
Vickie Bibee
June 4, 2025
I am James cousin . We called each other all the time checking on each other. I am ninety one and live in Bakersfield Ca. He is on my Dads side being related. We would chat at least one half hour every other week. He came to my husbands service at the Natl. Cemetery and sit with me. I will miss him very much. My condolences goes out to his daughters and friends. Vickie Bibee
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Roger Patterson Sr
June 3, 2025
I had known and worked with him for 50+ years. Sorry I lost track of him several years ago. Would have liked to have known he was so close. He was a good friend in our younger years. Peace to you in heaven "Jimmy"
Delphina Hernandez
June 3, 2025
We, Manny and Delphina, are grateful for having been counted as friends that were more like "family" in Mr. Hester's life. We truly enjoyed every aspect of our friendship and how many mutual connections we had here in this valley. We thank the Lord for having brought us together to love and support one another and are richer in life having known Mr. Hester.
Lisa Wojciechowski
June 2, 2025
Lisa Wojciechowski
June 2, 2025
Lisa Wojciechowski
June 2, 2025
Lisa Wojciechowski
June 2, 2025
Lisa Wojciechowski
June 2, 2025
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