James Edwin Kesterson of Sheridan, Arkansas was born January 23, 1951 in Malvern, the son of the late William Carol Kesterson and Marion Estelle Smith Kesterson. He was a United States Navy Veteran having served in the Vietnam War and was retired from the police department. He was an avid golfer, loved to play with his friends. He loved the fact that he always beat JJ.

Mr. Kesterson died Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Baptist Health Medical Center at the age of 74 on their 45th wedding anniversary.

He loved being a grandfather, made him so proud to say he had them. He would beam with life talking about them.

From going to football games, to cheerleading, golf, baseball - he showed up. He tried his hardest to get a bigger buck than Debbie but never succeeded.

His children were his pride and joy. But his wife, oh the love of his life, "My Beautiful Debbie." He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and was famous for his pecan brittle that everyone wanted.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Doyle Kesterson and two grandsons, Hunter James Kesterson and Jacob Scott Levart.

Survivors: wife and best friend of 45 years, Deborah "Debbie" Penn Kesterson of Sheridan; son, J.J. Kesterson (Meredith) of Sheridan; daughter, Jenny Kesterson Mills (Gerald) of Benton; brother, Mike Kesterson of Benton; grandchildren, Katelyn Vocque, Kyle Vocque, Jayde Kesterson, Drake Kesterson, Morgan Gardner Johnson (Dustin), Sarah Levart Brennan (William), Kaelyn Mille West (Jaron); 5 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral service will be 1:00 P. M. Friday, May 30, 2025 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Carter officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at the funeral home from 12:00 until service time. Burial will be at 3:00 P.M. at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the kidney foundation at UAMS in memory of James Kesterson, Sr.