Mr. James Lester
(February 4, 1966 - December 14, 2025)
Viewing Location: Leevy's Funeral Home, 1831 Taylor Street, Columbia, South Carolina
Viewing Date & Time: Sunday, December 21, 2025 / 2:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Funeral Location: Second Nazareth Baptist Church, 2300 Elmwood, Avenue, Columbia, South Carolina
Funeral Date & Time: Monday, December 22, 2025 / 10:00 A.M.
Interment Location: 12:00 Noon / Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, South Carolina
*VERY LATE* HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY! DIDNT THINK YOU WILL BE SPENDING YOUR BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN. BUT THATS WHAT GOD DECIDED. MISS YOU SO MUCH THINK ABOUT YOU AT SCHOOL, AFTERSCHOOL, PRACTICE, HOME EVERYWHERE. IM GOING TO BE MISSING THOSE CALLS. LOVE YOU GRANDPOPS🩵.
HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY
MY LIFE WAS FOREVER CHANGED 30 DAYS AGO. ITS BEEN 1 MONTH SINCE YOU LEFT US AND I AM STILL TRYING TO WAKEUP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. I MISS AND LOVE YOU TRAX. YOU WERE MY TB. I LOVE YOU!
I am missing you. My heart aches so bad.
I am missing you so bad. My heart aches so bad.
Your wings were ready but our hearts were not.
Forever loved, never forgotten. Rest in peace, my dear husband. Thank you for the love, laughter, protection and memories we shared. You will always live in my heart. Though my heart is broken, my love for you remains endless.
love you grandpa I will always miss those trips you took me on. but now your in a better place🙏🏾. i would cry right now but i know you would want me to be smiling right now. looking very sharp, handsome and like always we will love you forever🩵
Carol Lester, family and friends,
I am so sorry to hear about James.
I didn’t know him that well, but he always was a very nice person.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
May God comfort you in this difficult time.
My condolences and prayers to the family.
Sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. I knew Lester working at Anchor/IPG, always had a smile on his face and we always had great conversations, he was truly a wonderful person.
James will be missed. First met him when he married my sister Carol – an accomplished teacher who supported James’ transition from the military to civilian life. Twenty-three (23) years of marriage included births, deaths, anniversaries, celebrations, graduations and life’s other twists and turns. From that union, three beautiful and very smart young women were born – Elan, Sierra and Faith – we are so proud of their brilliance, talents and resilience. Two very gifted grandchildren – Ava and CJ – now continue our family’s outstanding legacy of education and service. Five generations, since the late 1800s/early 1900s, have made a significant difference in Philadelphia. Was proud of James’ eventual work in the school district – our commitment to helping others rubbed off. Praying the entire family’s peace and strength. Rest well with the ancestors, brother-in-law. We’ll see you again one day. May the children continue to thrive and become all God has planned for their lives. James’ spirit will now be with them 24/7. God lives…hallelujah!
Condolences to the family and friends of James Lester. He always called me Mr. Michael. I always enjoyed being around Lester and Rodney. When you saw one you most likely saw the other. Rest in peace my friend, you will be truly missed.
Offering God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Sending our most heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Lester Family. May God provide strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Penny Evans & Family
Sending our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. James Lester🙏🏾
With heavy hearts we send our condolences for the passing of our cousin. We will miss our talks and pray God’s strength and comfort to his family. Until we meet again live in peace with our Lord.
The Hunter Family from Pee Dee, SC
God works in mysterious ways! When James and I crossed while I was working in Columbia a bond was instantly created! He was a genuine person and like a BIG brother to me. There’s nothing bad a can say about him….well maybe one thing and that is he was Washington Commanders! Lol. Rest in Heaven my brother until we meet again! 👊🏿❤️
My condolences to the family of James Lester. Lester and I started working together at Richland County Detention Center in August of 1993 he was a good guy to work with we always stayed in touch with each other. He will be missed weeping endure for a night but joy comes in the morning praying for the family.
Condolences to the families of James Lester!
Michael Bates & Family
My Condolences to the Lester Family. I met Lester back in 94 where we worked together at Richland County Detention Center aka Alvin S Glenn Det. Center. He was a very nice guy and always kept you laughing. Lester will be missed ❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾
I LOVE TOU SOOOOO MUCH GRANDPA U MAKE EVERYTHING SO MUCH HAPPIER. LOVE YA GRANDPA.
We are very sorry to here about the loss of your love lucretia. Our prayers and Sincere condolences for you and all the family.
Gone to Soon….Sincere Condolences…Thoughts and Prayers for Family and Friends…We’ll catch up 🙏🏾!!!
Sleep in Peace,my Brother…
Love George and Sydney Simpson…
To Elan and Sierra
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot describe it. Losing a parent is hard. Our prayers are with you all. We LOVE y’all !
The Jackson-Beatty family
Our condolences to the Lester family and friends. We worked with Lester at IPG, and when you left talking with him, you would always be laughing. May his soul rest in peace, and may Jesus cover the family!
Michelle and Toemikia Diamond
DADDDDDDDYYY! I love you 💕
Sitting in class thinking about you . Until we meet again
I have not know James long, but I know he made my niece very happy. Lucretia, remember God do make mistakes. We all have a season to lose a loved one and James came too soon by our standards. Continue to Pray and keep yourself available to receive your blessings from the Lord. Love you and keeping you and the family in prayer.