James William Lester's Obituary
James William Lester
With sad hearts, we announce the passing of Jim Lester. Jim was born on December 22, 1942, in Tuscola, Illinois and passed on July 5, 2026 in Decatur, Illinois. Jim graduated from Eisenhower High School, Decatur.
Experience and job opportunities took Jim to Chicago where he was an account representative for Northwestern Railroad for many years. When he retired from the railroad, he purchased Parrots Bar and Grill in Chicago. When he retired again, he returned to Decatur where he pursued his passion for pool.
Jim was a longtime member of American Cue Sports (ACS), and Cue Sports International (CSI). He was also an avid participant in the Decatur Area Pool League, where he most recently played 8-ball on the teams named Buss Boys, and Grumpy Old Sticks. When he wasn’t competing, Jim could be found playing his favorite game of 1-pocket, with his custom Durbin cue, at just about any Decatur business with a pool table.
Jim’s other avocations and interests included photography, nature preservation, gun and coin collecting, poker playing, and motorcycle racing. He was a diehard fan of Chicago sports, especially Cubs baseball and Da Bears!
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Lester, as well as Myron, his brother. He is survived by his son, Christopher (Karen) Lester of Loudon, NH, his sister, Kathie (Fred) Vanderlaan of Port Orange, FL, his brother, Doug Lester of Decatur, niece, Katrina (Rich) Wilkerson of Decatur, nephew, Brian (Anne) Vanderlaan of Ponce Inlet, FL, nephew Scott Vanderlaan of Springdale, OH, and several cousins. He will also be dearly missed by many, many friends and business partners in the Decatur area as well as in Chicago.
Jim’s burial wishes are being handled by Graceland Fairlawn services. A graveside gathering will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Graceland Cemetery, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL. There will be no visitation or reception.
Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to the donor’s choice.
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