Obituary of James Wesley Chester

James Wesley Chester April 19, 2012 James Wesley Chester, 80, of Trucksville, PA, passed away on Thursday at Kindred Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. Born April 11, 1932 in Aliquippa, PA, son of the late Henry and Bertha (Cunningham) Chester. He was a graduate of Penn State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. James was the North East Regional Director of the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection. During his tenure as Regional Director, he had a pivotal role in three important projects: the clean-up following the Agnes Flood, the Butler Mine Tunnel collapse, and the remediation of the giardia water infestation. In recent years, he operated an environmental service company specializing in remediation services. He served on the Boards of Family Services, The Joint Community Relations Group, and was Chairman of the Wyoming Valley Human Service Commission. He was a member of Interested Adults, African American Committee, Board of Directors for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Conservancy Executive Committee, Northeastern Network, Inc.. He was founder and President of the Institute for African American National Heritage. James had a passion for music. He was a lyricist and played guitar for many years with the B.B. Kay's Expedition band. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Raymond. James is survived by his wife the former E. Ann Clark. James is also survived by three children: J. Daryll Chester of Trucksville, Stephanie S. Chester of Dallas, and Mark W. Chester of Nanticoke; three grandchildren, Ryan, Noelle and Elijah; and brother Bennie Bell of Philadelphia. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Inc. 568 Bennett St. Luzerne with Rev. Ann Marie Acacio officiating. Friends may also call on Wednesday from 6:00 PM until time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association. To light a virtual candle or leave a message of condolence for his family, please visit www.betzjastremski.com.