James Alvin Hester

James Alvin Hester, 80 of Bangor Township passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at home.

Jim, as he was known by most, was born in Ben, Ark., on Nov. 21, 1936, to his parents F.W. Davis and Cora Miller, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing was his step-father, Cliff Young.

Jim came to Hartford at age nine. He retired from Whirlpool Corporation as a set-up man. He loved working on cars, doing odd jobs like electric, building mowers and loved fishing with his mother. He was a past member of the Van Buren Sportsman's Club, of which he was very active. After his heart transplant, he slowed down some but was ready to help his friends as he was able and he was always ready with a story.

Jim married the former Peggy Kelemen on Aug. 21, 1996. She survives, along with four children: Orville (Dainie) Reeves of Decatur, Greg (Janice) Flint of Lawton, James B. (Lisa) Hester of Three Rivers and Doug (Mitzi) Sargent of Marietta, Ga. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; ex-wife, Gloria Daggett; three step-children: Sue, Dawn and Jeff and his beloved dog, Penny.

As per James' wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will welcome friends from 6-7 p.m.Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where the service to honor his memory will commence at 7 p.m. with Mike Rapp officiating. Memorial donations in James' name may be made to Van Buren Sportsman's Club or Wings of Hope Hospice. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.