James George Lester Iii

James (Jim) George Lester, III, 75, of Valdosta, GA, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020 at his home. He was born at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia on July 7, 1944 to the late Dr. Charles T. Lester and Marlyn Elizabeth Tate Lester. Jim grew up on the Emory Campus where his father was a Chemistry Professor, Dean and Vice President. He often talked of the boyhood antics of him and his brother and the neighborhood kids. He was an Eagle Scout in Troup 55. Jim often spoke of his family vacations to Banner Elk, NC. to visit his grandparents where he and his cousins spent a lot of fun times together growing up. He graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1963. Jim graduated from Huntington College in 1967 with a BA degree with majors including, German, Psychology and Sociology. After graduating from Florida State University with his master's degree in Psychiatric Social Work, Jim began his life-long career as a social worker with the State of Georgia at Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville, Ga., where he retired in 2001. Jim always appreciated the special friendships and relationships that he made with his co-workers during his career. He was a member of New Life Community Church in Lake Park, GA.

Jim loved music and played cornet and guitar. He also loved fishing and nature and enjoyed watching the birds in his backyard refuge. He played adult softball on his former church league team and enjoyed golfing with his friends. After his retirement he became a motorcycle enthusiast where he met his wife, Linda Pickles Lester. They married in 2005 and made their home in Valdosta, GA. Together they enjoyed riding their Harleys in the Blue Ridge mountains and going on short weekend trips. He enjoyed traveling and spending vacations with his friends and family. Jim was an avid reader and especially enjoyed Civil War history.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Pickles Lester, of Valdosta; children David Lester of Atlanta, Amy Lester Drew (Remer) of Valdosta; brother Charles T. Lester, Jr. (Nancy) of Stone Mountain; sisters in law, Judy Allsbrook of Valdosta and Brenda Pickles (Jimmy Helms) of Lake Park; his children's grandmother, Beulah Willoughby Copeland of Meridian, Mississippi; brother in law James Willoughby (Inez) of Charlotte, NC; a number of nieces, great nieces, great nephews and special cousins; and many friends and grand friends who were very dear to him. He also leaves behind, his beloved rescue dog, Chico. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Judy Willoughby Lester; parents in law James O. "Pick" Pickles and Viola Pickles; daughter in law Kathleen Lester; and brother in law, Keith Allsbrook.

A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held Thursday July 9, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta, GA. Visitation will follow the service. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, or to any charity of your choice in Jim's honor. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane