James Carlos Hester entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Born on December 25, 1932, in Dodge County, Georgia, J.C. was the son of the late Willie and Martha Louise Hester. He was raised in East Dublin, Georgia.

Following high school, J.C. was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean conflict. After completing his tour of duty, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

In 1957, J.C. began a long and distinguished career in Civil Service at Robins Air Force Base. He worked as an electronics supervisor, where his responsibilities included work on classified projects. After nearly four decades of dedicated service, he retired in 1995. Never one to remain idle, J.C. later served as a bailiff for Houston County for 13 years.

J.C. was a man of many interests and talents who embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. Over the years, he participated in Toastmasters, enjoyed square dancing, and treasured traveling with his family. He also had a deep interest in genealogy and devoted many years to researching and preserving his family history, a pursuit that brought him great enjoyment.

The outdoors held a special place in J.C.’s heart, and he especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. A talented carpenter and craftsman, he took great pride in working with his hands. He built his family’s home, a vacation lake house, and even a pop-up camper that became part of many memorable camping trips with his family. J.C. was also a longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Bonaire.

Perhaps one of J.C.’s most enduring qualities was his genuinely giving heart. His generosity was evident even at a young age. As a hardworking paperboy, he saved the money he earned and used it not for himself, but to buy his sister her very first piano. He also delighted in giving experiences to others, once taking four of his cousins to their first picture show. These simple but meaningful acts reflected the kind of man J.C. was throughout his life—hardworking, thoughtful, and happiest when he could do something for someone he loved.

In addition to his parents, J.C. was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Hester.

His memory will forever be treasured by his beloved wife of 73 years, Annette B. Hester; children, James Kenneth Hester (Patti), Janet H. Emerson (Edward), and Cheyenne Kent (Jack); grandchildren, Michelle Lee Emerson, James Kenneth Hester, Jr. (Jessica), Cynthia Lynn Herrmann (Eric), Eric Daniel Hester (Robin), Jason Edward Emerson (Jessica), Case Wright, Jasmine Williams, and Jameson Kent; great-grandchildren, Jack Salmon, Chris Salmon, Carson Emerson, Tyler Hester, Alli Hester, Braelyn Seymour, and Julia Herrmann; and sister, Lora Payne.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating J.C.'s life will immediately follow in the chapel. Afterward, J.C. will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.