James David Jester

James David Jester, 79, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, laughter, and love for his family. James, known by everyone as Jim or Jimbo, was born on June 2, 1946 in Waukesha, Wisconsin to parents Gerald and Esther Jester. He had 4 older brothers and 1 younger sister.

Jim was raised in Wisconsin, but also lived in California, Hawaii, and Colorado before eventually settling in Texas, which he called home. He always said, "Yankee by birth, Texan by choice." Throughout his travels, Jim worked in many vocations including helicopter crew chief in the Air Force, counselor at a juvenile detention center, as well as working in production for Dole, Coors, and Kraft.

Jim met the love of his life, Debbie, in 1990 while dancing at Studebakers in Dallas, and they continued dancing at every opportunity for the next 35 years. They were married on April 17, 1992. Jim delighted in finding new ways to make Debbie laugh. They loved doing everything together, and found great joy in playing tennis, hiking, camping in their RV, playing games with friends and family, and visiting their kids and grandkids. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was the life of every party with his jokes, funny stories, and even a silly costume or two.

Jim came to salvation at a church camp at the age of 13, and grew greatly in dedication to his faith as he and Debbie attended and served at Lake Pointe Church throughout the entirety of their marriage. He also spent time serving in ministry with the Texas Baptist Men.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sons, Jason and Jody Jester. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his son James David "Chip" Jester II and his wife Tracy and their daughters Lily and Sofia Jester, his stepson Bruce Taylor and his wife Gabriella and their children Nicholas and Maria, and stepdaughter Brook Kolarcik and her husband Joshua and their children Hannah, Gideon, Ruth, and Esther. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends that will miss him dearly.

"The Dude abides."

A public time of gathering and visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Reflections Chapel at Rest Haven Funeral Home, located at 2500 State Highway 66 East, Rockwall, Texas 75087.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Jim's life will immediately follow at 10:00 AM, also in Reflections Chapel, with Pastor Jerry Minx officiating. Interment at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Jim's service will be livestreamed for anyone unable to attend in person. Please click on the following link to watch the service:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc3MjA0ODc2NjQwMjgwNCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Those wishing to send flowers for the service may do so by contacting The Flower Box by Rest Haven at (972) 772-3269. Independent florists are kindly requested to deliver all floral arrangements directly to Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall no later than 8:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026, to ensure they are properly received and respectfully displayed in time for Jim's visitation.