James Franklin Nester
James Franklin Nester passed away unexpectedly in Glenwood Springs, CO on May 18th, 2014.
Jim was born in St. Albans, West Virginia on September 7th, 1936 to Leonard Nester and Ann Wells. He was an only child, but enjoyed the fine company of extended family in St. Albans while growing up nearby in Virginia. He was grateful for the enduring support of the Nester clan, which afforded him the confidence and the financial means to pursue a college degree and a start on a fulfilling career path. After attending high school in Pomeroy, Ohio, he completed his Bachelors and Masters degree in Chemical Engineering at Ohio State University. During his time in Ohio, he met and married Helen Piccinini. They had many happy times together and recently celebrated 53 years of marriage on May 6th.
From Ohio, Jim and Helen moved to Connecticut, where Jim worked for 40 years for Perkin-Elmer, and then for several years at Hughes Aircraft Corporation. Upon retiring, he and Helen were enjoying spending their summers in Glenwood Springs and winters in Venice, Florida. Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother, and his stepmother Elsie White. He is survived by his wife Helen, their two girls, Lorraine Curry (Craig Curry) of Glenwood Springs, CO, and Theresa Nester (Michael Antinore), and two grandsons, Thomas and Peter Antinore, of Seattle, WA.
Jim was a rare gem. He was brilliant yet humble. He loved to learn and share his knowledge with others. He believed in service to the community, and practiced this tenet with many volunteer hours spent in food banks and soup kitchens, on committees to save local ball fields, and most recently on home owners’ association boards. He was a man guided by both his logical mind and his big heart. He loved to hike in beautiful places, and he and Helen visited almost all of the National parks. He also enjoyed country-western dancing, and he and Helen danced often. He was a man of integrity, driven by a need to share his gifts for the betterment of his community. He was a true friend to many people, and a dedicated husband and father. He will be sorely missed.
Jim did not wish to have a funeral. In lieu of this, his family suggests contributions made in his name to the All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota, FL, or to the food bank of your choice.
—by the family