Pearl "Jim" James Kester

Pearl James "Jim" Kester, 91, of Jackson passed away Wednesday May 28, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born on January 9, 1934, in Friedheim, son of Ferdinand and Mary Bequette Kester. He and Norma Koenig were married August 14, 1970. Jim was inducted into the United States Navy on March 2, 1953, and honorably discharged April 12, 1962. He took many courses at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California. Jim worked as an electrician at Long Beach Naval Shipyard before retiring from the Veterans Hospital in Long Beach, in 1989. After retiring, he and Norma returned to Jackson where he owned and operated a cattle farm. He enjoyed woodworking and farming. Loving survivors include his wife of 54 years, Norma Kester of Jackson; children, Beverley (Bruce Loy) Kester of Jackson; James Brian (Mary) Kester of Garden Grove, California and Tina (Pete) Kester-Cutuli of Corona, California; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Monroe Kester of Bloomsdale, Missouri, George (Leona) Kester of Friedheim, Willie Kester of Friedheim, Mary L. Williams of Perryville, Sediala Wilke of House Springs, Missouri, Sharon (Glenn) Bodenschatz of Oak Ridge and Carol Miller of Washington, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Mabel Blankenship and Louise Kester and niece, Doris Wilke-Zastrow. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The Rev. Eric Lafoon will conduct the funeral service at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson. The family suggests that contributions be made to Missouri Veterans Home Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Jim's obituary at mccombsfuneralhome.com.