James Lester

James “Jim” B. Lester, 94

Our greatest endeavor on earth is to bring glory to the Lord — words that James B. Lester lived by every day of his 94 blessed years.

Always known to be an early bird, Jim left this earth to meet his Lord and Savior at 4:30 a.m. on October 31, 2025. We imagine that after a long chat with the Lord, he was joyfully reunited with the love of his life, Dolores Jean Lester, whom he met in 1947 at a Youth for Christ picnic. They married in 1952 and shared 67 inseparable years together until her passing on January 11, 2020.

We can only imagine the heavenly celebration that followed Jim’s arrival — as he walked down streets of gold, greeted by his beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Lester Luffy; his great-grandson, Landon Bradley Lester; his loving sister, Jacqueline; cherished brother-in-law, Glenn Schoder; and favorite nephew Mike Clark. No doubt his parents, Hurshel and Geneva Lester lovingly teased him, asking what took him so long. We know they were overjoyed to welcome him home.

Jim was preceded in death by many dear in-laws and friends who held a special place in his heart, including Florence and Ray Senior, Ronnie Vogler, Ruth and “Sparky” Russell, Miriam and Tom Senior, and Betty and Ken Senior, along with countless others he loved so deeply.

Jim treasured every moment spent reminiscing with his beloved sister-in-law, Carol Vogler and his favorite niece, Victoria Clark, both of whom survive him and will hold his memory close. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who adored him.

A faithful friend and storyteller, Jim shared over 55 years of friendship with his best friend, George Molchen, often over a cup of coffee and a tale or two about their hunting adventures.

In recent years, his fiancée, Terrie Parish brought great light and joy into his life. Together they shared meals, card games, and laughter — her love, and the kindness of her family, were a true blessing to him in his later years.

Jim’s faith guided every part of his life. He taught his family many things, but the most important lesson was to love the Lord. His devotion continues to shine through his children: Jim Lester, Glenn and Brenda Lester, Debbie and Scott Walsh, and Brenda and Randy Hanshe.

Jim and Jean’s legacy of love lives on through their grandchildren — Geneva and Sager Nagilla, Von and Molly Lester, Dan and Denise Luffy, Glenn and Allie Lester, Brad and Michelle Lester, Jacque Walsh, Devin and Brittany Walsh, Dylan and Nicole Walsh, Kyla and Chris Lindner, and Troy and Alex Hanshe — and through their 28 great-grandchildren, who will always remember that a visit with Great-Grandpa Jim came with a big hug and a Tootsie Pop.

A lifelong member of Chippewa Alliance Church, Jim’s faith and service were unwavering. He retired from Columbia Gas, where his long meter-reading walks kept him in tip-top shape. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

An avid outdoorsman and proud member of the Beagle Club, Jim found peace and joy in nature. Whether he was fishing, hunting with his beagles, practicing archery, or spotting deer with his family, those were his happiest days.

Jim Lester lived a life rooted in faith, love, and gratitude. His kindness, laughter, and unwavering trust in the Lord will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Please join us in celebrating his God glorifying life! Friends will be received Friday, November 7 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM in Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, November 8 at 10:30 AM in the Chippewa Alliance Church, with Rev. Dan Muir officiating.

"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21-23