James Emory Lester, 78, of Fredericktown, Ohio, passed away peacefully from a two-and-half year battle to cancer on July 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April Fools’ Day 1948, to Fred and Mazie Lester, Jim lived his life through the lens of positivity and optimism. He carried a deep devotion to the people he loved most. His genuine, light-hearted outlook on life was infectious.

He was a decorated veteran of the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army with service in Vietnam.

To know Jim was to be instantly welcomed into his circle. He truly never met a stranger. He was the ultimate sports fan and kept a collection of whistles from his proud days of serving as high school basketball coach. Whether he was cheering loudly at his children’s and grandchildren’s games, or sharing one of his legendary stories, his outgoing nature and warm humor brought light to every room. Jim had a unique gift for making everyone feel valued, which helped make him a successful insurance agent/owner. He was a lifelong learner and spent countless hours mastering his woodworking. His words of wisdom will be missed.

Above all, his greatest legacy is his family and friendships. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy (Randall); his children, Brian (Kassie Ewers), Kara (Grant) Marshall, and Ashley (Josh) Myers; his grandchildren, Sidney (TT) Crouch, Sophie (Walker) Davis, Logan Marshall, Brady Lester, Avery Marshall, Chloe Marshall, Oliver Myers, and Emme Myers, and his great grandchildren Millie Davis and Callie Crouch. He is also survived by his sisters Mavis (Curtis) Lawson and Jacquie (Mark) Naquin, and his brother Barry (Traci Glasscock) Lester, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will all miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Phyllis Lybarger and an infant sister Geneva.

A special thanks to his care team at Gentiva Hospice (Julia was by his side since the beginning of his cancer journey), Knox Community Hospital (Dr. Rasheed, Palliative Care and sixth floor nursing staff), and The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital.

An open-house celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Fredericktown High School located at 111 Stadium Drive. Per Jim’s request, family and friends are encouraged to dress casually and wear their favorite sports attire/Freddie apparel in honor of his love for sports. His immediate family is observing a private graveside burial at the Kokosing Nature Preserve.

The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Lester family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Fredericktown Athletic Boosters sent to PO Box 127, Fredericktown, OH, 43019. Online donations can be made at this membership link https://freddieboosters.org/store/home/25-fredericktown-athletic-booster-club-membership.html#/14-membership_dues-freddie_gold - indicate online that it is in honor of Jim Lester.

To express a condolence to the Lester family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com