| James W. Lester (Jim) |
|
Lieutenant Colonel
James W. Lester, United States Air Force (Retired),
passed away on February 22, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on April 29, 1929, Colonel Lester lived a life defined by service, discipline, and enduring devotion to his family. Following his graduation from Superior University, he married Barbara Hawley Evans, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in mutual support and commitment. Colonel Lester served with distinction as a pilot during a transformative era in military aviation. Over the course of his career, he flew the F-89 Scorpion, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-106 Delta Dart, and the OV-10 Bronco—aircraft that placed him at the forefront of air defense and tactical operations during the Cold War and Vietnam War periods. During the Vietnam War, he served as a task force commander, leading a unit composed of the Rustics, Tillys, and Sundogs. His command provided close air support to friendly forces operating in Cambodia and southern South Vietnam, a mission demanding precision, coordination, and unwavering resolve under challenging combat conditions. In his final assignment, Colonel Lester served as an instructor at Hurlburt Field’s Air Ground Operations School (AGOS), where he helped train and mentor the next generation of airmen, passing on the knowledge and experience gained over decades of service. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, who passed away in November 2019, and his son, Colonel Rick W. Lester, United States Air Force (retired), who passed away in July 2019. He is survived by his son, Mark H. Lester, and his grandchildren, David, Megan, and Steven, who carry forward his legacy with pride Colonel Lester will be remembered for his quiet strength, his dedication to duty, and his lifelong commitment to those he served alongside and those he loved. His life stands as a testament to honor, service, and country. |