Clyde L. (Jim) Hester, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, died peacefully Friday, October 22, 2010. Born on May 31, 1920, he was 90. Our community has lost a wonderful part of its heart and soul.

Major Hester arrived in Montgomery in the early 1940's from Easton, PA. He attended flying school at Maxwell and flew C-47's during WW II. His plane was shot down behind enemy lines in China. Two weeks later with the aid of friendly Chinese Major Hestor walked out. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Following the war, he returned to Montgomery and continued his military career retiring in 1959.

Major Hestor subsequently attended Huntingdon and Montevallo colleges. He later taught physics and chemistry at Sidney Lanier High School for 16 years and Auburn University Montgomery for 6 years.

Major Hester was a devout Christian and a beloved member of the Memorial Presbyterian Church. A place he loved dearly and served faithfully. Words can not adequately explain the depth and ability to which he could light up the lives of the people around him. Caring, sweetness, faithfulness, honesty, sincerity, a true gentleman, all words that only scratch the surface of the man and his ability to communicate with and befriend anyone.

Major Hester was a member of the Order of Daedalians, Military Officers Association of America, and the Alabama 60 plus Golfers Association.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ida Hester. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Ramsey; granddaughter, Stacy Colquitt; great granddaughter, Emma Colquitt; nephew, Lowery Smith (Rita); niece, Elizabeth Guntert, sister-in-law, Peggy Smith, and his loving companion Betty Hudson.

A Service of Resurrection will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at Memorial Presbyterian Church with Dr. Tom Boone officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

Memorial Presbyterian Church
2130 Bell Road
Montgomery, AL 36117
Telephone 334-274-1018.

Leak-Memory Chapel Directing www.leak-mc.com