James Luther Ester

With hearts overshadowed by grief, absense, love, and remembrance, the family of Mr. James Luther Ester, age 67, announces his unexpected transition from this earthly life on Monday afternoon, December 15, 2025, at Tanner Medical Center — East Alabama, in Wedowee, following an extended illness. At the time of his passing, Mr. Ester was residing at his family home on Wilkie Clark Drive in Roanoke.

In Loving Memory Of James Luther Ester

James Luther Ester was born on February 20, 1958 at Miami Valley Hospital, in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, to the parentage of the late Marvin and Alberta Alicia (Fuller) Ester.  Though both of his parents were natives of Randolph County, most of James' early life was spent in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.  It was there — 4155 South Lake Park Avenue, Chicago, ILL 60653 — an address that none of them would ever forget — that James grew up with his siblings:  the late Mrs. Freda Nannette Ester Lindsey, Charles Ester (Evella), Marvin Ester, Jr. and Thomas Ester (Laura).  James was educated in the public schools of Chicago.   Though they all grew up and were educated in Chicago, they were frequent visitors to Roanoke, not only the home of their parents, but also the home of their grandparents, the late Mr. & Mrs. H.T. & Susie Rosser, the founders of Rosser Nursing Home (Now Roanoke Health Care Center), and the great grandchildren of the late Mr. Guy Fuller, and Nannie Rowland.  

At an early age, James gave his life to Christ, at First Baptist Church on Riley Street, Roanoke.  However, later, he developed a connection with Pastor Tom Staples, and eventually joined New Beginning Outreach Ministry, Seymour Drive, in Roanoke. 

James' family remembers him as being a special — unique person, "mama's favorite" and "Freda's favorite."    His sister-in-law, Evella says, "when I think of him, what I think about is the strength and mental capacity he showed, to deal with the illness he was experiencing.   This really speaks to my heart."  James loved German Shepherd dogs, and his favorite of all time was a German Shepherd he got from Charlotte Clark-Frieson, whom he named "BodyGuard."  James truly bonded with his dog.  

Upon the death of their their family matriarch and grandmother, the late Mrs. Susie Mae Rosser (Minnifield) in 1989, the Ester family — leaving behind many memories of their time in Chicago — returned South to Roanoke, which became their new home base.  While some of the family migrated with them to Roanoke, other members of the family stayed behind in Chicago.  But, through the years, James continued to enjoy the festive holiday gatherings on special days, like Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  These occasions were always filled with great reunions, backyard barbecues, amazing food, happiness and family love.    

Regretfully, James was preceded in death by a nephew, Kunta Kente, his parents, Marvin & Alberta Ester, and his beloved sister and "Guardian Angel" Freda Nannette (Ester) Lindsey, with whom he enjoyed a very special relationship.  His family now anticipates with deep sadness, laying James to rest near his parents, and sister, Freda, in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Roanoke.  

With his transition, James leaves behind to cherish many warm childhood memories, his three brothers: Charles Ester (Evella) and Marvin Ester, Jr.,  both of Roanoke, Thomas Ester (Laura) of Chicago, IL; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; good friends who thought the world of him: Morelle Allen, Wilkie Sherard Frieson (Jacqueline), Shundra Hughley, and other wonderful neighbors on Wilkie Clark Drive.

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