James B. "Jim" Jestis' Obituary
Jim was a son of Robert Olen and Celia Barlow Jestis, Sr. He was a self employed carpenter for more than sixty years. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Council #577 Very Reverend Jeremiah J. Murphy Assembly. One of his greatest accomplishments as a member of the K of C’s was when he had the honor of standing guard for the Pope while he visited Chicago. He proudly represented the K of C billiard team in the Busch League. He was a former member of the Dolphin Boat Club, and a member of the Experimental Aviation Association. Jim served his country in the Army/Air Corp during WWII. He married Dorothy ”Dottie” Bruder on November 21, 1959 in St. James Catholic Church, Decatur.
Surviving are his wife of Decatur; daughter: Alice Ponting, husband Wayne of Decatur; son: Stephen Anthony Jestis of Millington, TN.; sister: Mary Lain of Decatur; grandchildren: Jacanthony and Jilashli Kim of Decatur; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
His parents, two brothers, and two sisters preceded him in death.
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