James "JP" Pedro Hester

 The son of Jimmy L. Hester and Sylvia Perata Hester, J.P. grew up in Texas. He was born on November 16, 1976 in Lima, Peru and attended Florida International University before enlisting in the U.S. Army.

He valued his service in the U.S. Army highly and during his time, he attained the rank of First Lieutenant. As part of this service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Medical Badge, Combat Action Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

J.P. valued his family and his community. He devoted his time to his daughter, helping others develop their physical and mental health and serving youth in his community. He deeply cared about others and wanted to help them rise to their greatest levels.

J.P. is survived by his daughter Karolina Hester and his sister Rosa Lee Poetschke. He cared deeply for his family and community and his larger than life presence will be sorely missed.

A service honoring the life of J.P. Hester will be held at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road Bluffton, SC at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 16.