James Taggart Hester

James Taggart Hester, 85, of Calhoun Falls, SC, passed away Friday, December 11, 2015 at the Abbeville Area Medical Center in Abbeville, South Carolina. Jim was born to the late James Partlow & Floride McCelvey Hester on December 4, 1930, in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina. Jim is survived by his wife, Sally, originally of Tokyo, Japan. Surviving children are James Robert and Lynne Rankin Hester, Rebecca Hester Compton, George McCelvey Hester, and Mark and Lena Hester Miller. Surviving grandchildren are Eric and Jennifer Hester Geary, Christopher Hester, Emily Compton, Nicholas Lenk, Anderson Hester, Thomas Wood, and Cecelia Wood. Savannah Geary is the only great-granddaughter. Jim also is survived by his sister, Floride Hester LeRoy. Jim was a graduate of Calhoun Falls High School. Jim received his degree from Clemson College where he was a member of ROTC and achieved membership in the Golden Tigers. Following graduation in 1953, Jim served in the US Army until 1957. During his service, Jim was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Shafter in Hawaii. While in Hawaii, Jim had extended periods of duty in Asia with Voice of America, USIS, Voice of UN Command and 8th Army Psychological War Headquarters. While in Japan, he met his wife, Sally, who was working for the Voice of United Nations Command, US Far East Army Psychological Warfare radio production. Jim and Sally lived in Hawaii briefly before returning to Jim's hometown of Calhoun Falls where they, as Jim loved to say, "returned to the farm to raise cows, trees and children." Jim and Sally were blessed with four children, and Jim was most proud that all four of his children were accepted to Clemson, although, sadly, Robert chose to attend the US Military Academy at West Point, New York. In addition to being a farmer, rancher and timber producer, Jim also worked for several years in the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and for the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. Jim was a life-long and devoted member of the Calhoun Falls Presbyterian Church, where he served as Deacon, Elder and Clerk of Session. He served as a Director for the West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative from its early years and continued in service there until present. Jim was a pillar of the community, serving in and leading countless civic organizations, including the Abbeville County Forestry Board and Farm Bureau, Calhoun Falls Lions Club, American Legion Post 72, Masonic Lodge, Forest Land Owner Association, Shrine Club, South Carolina Forestry Association, Abbeville County Cattleman's Association, Russell Lake Steering Committee, and the Mount Carmel Yacht Club. He proudly served as the Scout Master of Troop 73 for six years and produced nine Eagle scouts. Jim was deeply rooted in church, family and community. He was everybody's best friend and was gifted in his ability to uplift and inspire others. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic and his enthusiasm for putting everyone to work. His stories from high school, college, Army and farming days will be missed greatly. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 16, 2016, from 12:30 to 1:45 pm at Harris Funeral Home, Calhoun Falls Chapel, Calhoun Falls, South Carolina. Funeral services will be held following visitation, at 2:00 pm. Graveside services will be held in the Hester Family Memorial Cemetery where Masonic Rites and Veterans Honors will be presented. The Hester family extends their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support from family and friends. Please make any memorial contributions in his memory to the Calhoun Falls Food Pantry, care of Marian Tinsley, 1130 Latimer Road, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com. HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES – CALHOUN FALLS CHAPEL, is assisting the Hester family.