James R. Lester

James Rathbun Lester (Porky), 59, of Columbia, CT passed away unexpectedly in Pennsylvania on April 5, 2016. Surrounded by friends and family, he quietly and peacefully left his crease. Jim was the son of Olive and Nelson Field of Columbia and the late James F. Lester and his widow Phyllis Lester of California. He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Lisa; son James W. Lester and his wife Samantha; and daughter Amanda. He also leaves behind his siblings Teresa "Terri" Thompson and her partner Robert LaFontaine, Charles "Chuck" Lester, and Nelisa Reagan and her husband Richard; nieces Mallory Thompson, Amber LaFontaine, and Anna and Caitlin Reagan. As well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and a huge extended family; his hockey family, his Willard's family, his carpentry cronies, the kids he's coached over the years, and his oldest and best friend/brother Walter Drabek and his wife Hilda (Boomer). Jim also will be missed by his surrogate grandchildren, Thomas, Jenna, and Jonathon and their parents, Thomas and Laura Boardman and the rest of the Boardman Clan. Jim was fortunate to have great mentors in all of his endeavors. Jim's greatest love, besides family, was hockey. Jim truly loved watching his children play the sports they loved, being at most of their games and playing alongside them when he could. He had the joy of sharing his love of this sport with so many. He was a hockey player, coach, fan, and a mentor. Jim was an amazing woodworker and carpenter. He also loved golf, not that it loved him. He had an infectious laugh and an incredible mustache. In lieu of flowers, please give a donation in Porky?s name to The Connecticut Special Olympic, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06518 or to the Trolley Pub, 1245 Main Street, Willimantic CT, to help cover his tab. Calling hours will be held Sunday, April 10, 2016 from 2:00-5:00PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT 06226. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 11:00AM at the funeral home.