James S. "Jimmy" Chester

James S. "Jimmy" Chester, Sr, 88, of Telogia, Florida passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his loved ones on April 14, 2024.
Born October 2, 1935 to Nathan and Nellie Chester, Jimmy was the only son of five children. Raised on the banks of Yellow Creek, Jimmy was tasked with caretaking for his sisters from a very young age. When Jimmy was 3, his childhood home caught fire and while his parents fought the blaze, he was placed on a blanket with his one year old sister and given the job of alerting the adults should the fire come near them. It did, and he did. Taking care of his loved ones is a trait he carried throughout his entire life.
An avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing and enjoying nature were in his blood. From a young age, he would kill a deer, a hog, or catch a mess of fish to provide for his family. In his later years, he loved to garden, and to share his bounty with any who came around. Whether it was squash, cucumbers, kumquats or satsumas, if he had it, he was going to make certain you didn't leave empty handed. Throughout his life, he taught his knowledge of all things outdoors to many of the local children and they have since passed their skills on to others, in effect, teaching generations of people to love and respect the land and the blessings it provides.
From childhood, he had eyes for Follette, the pretty brunette who lived down the road. He used to ride his bike over (it was the only bike in the area) and give her rides on the handlebars. Years later, they were on a double date, he with a girl and she with another boy and he cranked up his car radio and crooned along with Hank Williams "Hey Good lookin', whatcha got cookin?" Follette says that he might have been on a date with someone else, but she knew he was singing to her. According to his mother, she was "the only girl he ever loved". They married in 1958. This year, they celebrated their 66th anniversary. What role models they were for everyone. Through thick and thin, hard times and plenty, until death parted them, they did life together and created a legacy of how to love each other and others. By the way, "Hey Good lookin'" was sung regularly throughout the household.
Throughout their marriage, they had three children, Sonjia, Lynn and Jamie. Their kid's friends often remarked how they always felt right at home when they came over. There was always food at the table or a room if needed for a spare kid or two. As their family grew, the grandkids and great grandkids were loved dearly by their Papa. He loved to get on the floor and play with them for hours. It brought him great joy to teach them to walk, how to shoot a gun, bait a hook, skin a deer, drive an outboard motor, make earrings out of lizards, bumblebee kites and grunt for gators. Hugs, "I love you", "Say your prayers" and mischievous winks from him were commonplace in the household. From a young age, all of the kids learned quickly that they could find sticks of chewing gum in the pocket of Papa's shirt and that there was no problem that you could face that was so big that sitting with him in his recliner wouldn't fix. Sharing a bowl of vanilla ice cream was a favorite past time also. There seemed to be no safer place in the world. He was also like a second father to many of his nieces and nephews, always committed to helping his entire family, a true patriarch.
Out of high school, he began working for the Apalachicola Northern Railroad later St Joe Company. He ended up working for the railroad for 45 of his 88 years. From telegraph operator, depot administrator, and going on calls for derailments, he wore many hats during his tenure. At the same time, he also ran a thriving fish bait business, supplying bait to many stores throughout the southeast. Farming was perhaps his life's work, though, as the pine trees of Telogia seemed to be a part of his DNA.
He loved God, his country and his family. He is known for having a quick wit and a dry sense of humor, being quick to listen and slow to speak, being loyal and honest to a fault, and fiercely protective of those he loved. He had flawless integrity. He was stubborn, smart and stoic, never complaining regardless of what his circumstances were. A champion of the underdog, he always lent a helping hand to those in need if he was able. We may never know who all was on the receiving end of his generosity as he never spoke of it. He simply saw the need and filled it.
He was a simple man who lived a simple life, but he lived it well and he loved his people well. Tales will remain of his alligator catching days for years to come.
He was preceded in death by his parents Nathan and Nellie Chester and sisters Eloise Phillips and Judy Summerlin. He is survived by his bride of 66 years, Kay Follette Chester, children Sonjia Whitfield, Lynn Wilson (Ace), Jamie Chester (Selene), grandchildren, Kelly Lathem, Casey Lathem-Hearn (Mark), Kristen Deason (Daniel), Riley Wilson, Luke Wilson (Coco), Sammy Wilson and Landon Wilson, 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Janet Morris (David) and Patricia Taylor (Joe) and a host of nieces and nephews. Everyone agrees that our patriarch leaves big boots to fill.
Graveside service will be held graveside at Good Hope Cemetery Wednesday, April 17 at 11am. Visitation will be one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to Torreya Healthcare 17316 SR-65 Hosford, FL 32334 in hopes that it will help the local community. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).