James Russell Pester

James Russell Pester, 76, of Ash Flat, Arkansas, passed away from this life on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Springfield, Missouri.  James was born November 12, 1946, in Joliet, Illinois to Ivan Dale Pester and Marian (Holmes) Pester.

James was united in marriage to Kathleen Marie Doctor on November 23, 1968, in Mokena, Illinois, and to this union three children were born. James worked as a heavy equipment operator and served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  James was an outdoorsman, loved sports of all kinds, loved his family very much, and was a member of the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Cherokee Village, Arkansas.  He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.

James leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Kathleen Pester of Ash Flat, Arkansas; son, Matthew James Pester and wife Karen of Joliet, Illinois; daughter, Rebecca Ann Stamm of Joliet, Illinois; three grandchildren, Phillip Douglas Stamm, T.J. Catavu, and Nicky Catavu; one great grandchild, Zayden Catavu; one sister, Sharon Rushing of Manhattan, Illinois; nieces and nephews, Jim Stokes, Grace Stokes, Kellyne Kastanza, Kate Mysatyukow, and Brent Rushing; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son (Dale Joseph Pester) and his parents.

The family will have private services.  Memorials may be made to the Franciscan Order in Quincy, Illinois.  Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home, LLC in Salem, Arkansas.