In Loving Memory of James R. “Jimmy” Hester.

Our dad, Jimmy, known as “Whitey” to some of you… he was truly one of a kind. He was the life of every party, loud, proud, bold, and brassy. If there was laughter in the room, chances are Dad was the reason for it. He loved telling dirty jokes, especially the ones he learned from his Grandpa Moore as a young boy. Those jokes never got old to him, and neither did making people laugh.As a boy, Dad would sneak his Grandpa Moore ice cream, even though Grandpa was diabetic and wasn’t supposed to have it. Dad believed everyone deserved a sweet treat now and then, especially someone he loved. That was just who he was, a mischievous heart with endless love.

Dad was the king of practical jokes and could find humor in almost any situation. He was quick tempered at times, but he was even quicker to forgive, to love, and to protect the people he cared about. He had a heart of gold and would fight the whole world for those he loved. Standing 5 and a half feet tall, he carried a ten foot attitude that nobody could ignore.

Children were naturally drawn to him, and he adored them right back. Whether he was making them laugh, teaching them to be mischievous, or simply making them feel special, Dad had a way of bringing joy wherever he went.

He loved to cook, and somehow he could open a nearly empty cupboard and create a meal that fed his whole family. Music filled his life too. Bob Marley was one of his favorites, but his playlist stretched from reggae to country to gospel. If there was music playing, there was a good chance Dad was singing along. He even made up little songs throughout the day about whatever was happening, creating melodies right off the top of his head that made us smile.

Dad was a storyteller through and through. Sometimes the stories were true, sometimes they grew a little with each telling, but every one of them was entertaining.

His faith was deeply important to him. He loved the Lord, studied his Bible regularly, and carried his faith with him every day. His kindness showed not only in words but in his actions, like when he quietly paid for a little boy’s candy at the checkout line or how he paid his best friend’s commissary while he was in jail, simply to help out. Dad always tipped well at any restaurant and extra for a cute waitress!! He never looked for recognition.

Dad also loved gardening and farming. He found peace working the land and joy in watching things grow, much like the love he planted in the lives of everyone around him. He spoke to his mother regularly and worried about her always. Without even realizing it, our Dad taught us one of life’s greatest lessons, to be a light in a dark world. His humor, generosity, courage, and love left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Our dad wasn’t perfect, but he was perfectly ours. His laughter, his stories, his songs, his cooking, his faith, his generosity, and his enormous heart will stay with us forever.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his twin sister, Janice Flint, his father, James A. Hester, and his beloved grandson, Malik Ray Gill. He leaves behind his loving mother, Gloria Daggitt; his devoted girlfriend, Lori Mortimore; and his former wife, Lisa, with whom he shared 35 years and a beautiful family. He is also survived by his children: Joshua and (Kayla) Hester and their five children; Melissa and (Matt) Mortimore and her two children; Kimberly and (Adam) Evans and their five children; Krista and (Jeffery) Gill and their three children; and his step children, Steven and (Melissa) Mortimore and their two children. Amanda and (Fernando) Rivas and their 5 children.

Dad, thank you for teaching us how to laugh, how to love fiercely, and how to bring light wherever we go. We will miss you every single day, but we know your stories and your spirit will live on in each of us. We love you forever!

Please join us in celebrating Jimmy's life on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Decatur VFW, 560 N. Phelps Street, Decatur, Michigan.

In honor of Jimmy's love of motorcycles, we will rev our engines and begin a memorial ride at 6:15 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 7:00 p.m., with dinner immediately afterward. Following the service, family and friends are invited to continue the celebration with music, a DJ, beer and wine, and the sharing of memories. To celebrate Jimmy's unique spirit, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Harley-Davidson or Bob Marley attire.