James Stewart Chester

James Stewart Chester, 77, died Monday, December 24, 2018, at Abernethy Laurels Rehabilitation Center, Newton, NC.

Jim was born February 17, 1941, at Valdese General Hospital to Mary Iva Cline Chester Williams and Stewart Stevenson Chester who predeceased him.  He was also predeceased by his step-father Henry Calvin Williams.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda Lewis Heffner Chester; and by their sons, Jeffrey Stewart Chester of Charlotte and Jonathan David Chester of Ooltewah, TN.

Also surviving are Jim’s brother-in-law, Thomas Harper Heffner and his wife, Kathie Mull Heffner, of Chapel Hill; his niece, Laura Gray Heffner of Raleigh; nephew, Andrew Hunter Heffner of Towson, MD, his aunt, Mrs. Bruce Chester of Raleigh; and several cousins.

Jim was graduated from Valdese High School where he excelled in football, baseball and basketball.  He played American Legion baseball for Hickory and Morganton.  He was graduated from East Carolina College where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Upon graduation, Jim began teaching and coaching football and wrestling at South Rowan High School, China Grove, NC.

In 1966 Jim began working for Morganton Dying and Finishing.  He later worked for Pepsi Cola Bottling Inc. in Hickory where he retired after 28 years.  Jim enjoyed fishing and playing golf.

A service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Morganton.  Friends are invited to a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 459, Morganton, NC 28680; South Mountain Children and Family Services, P.O. Box 3387, Morganton, NC 28680, or Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.