James Hawley Chester

JAMES HAWLEY CHESTER, age 78, formerly of Houston, TX, passed away on October 23, 2020, after a long illness. Jim was born in New York City to William Curry Chester and Patrice (Neely) Chester and grew up in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Ridge High School, class of 1962, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Jefferson College in 1966, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and where he developed many lifelong friendships. Jim had a long and distinguished career as an executive with Exxon Corporation, highlighted by Senior Managerial roles in Houston, TX and Angola. He retired in 1998 after a 32-year career. He moved to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, during the last year of his life to be near his family. Jim was an avid fisherman; he loved to travel, and was a passionate art and antique collector. Some of his happiest moments were spent playing golf at his beloved Hearthstone Country Club and "playing the ponies" at Sam Houston Racetrack, where he was a member of the Jockey Club. He also loved painting, gardening and cooking and was an avid sports fan. He was a genuine "people person," who would enliven any occasion and was considered by most as "the life of the party." Jim was a true gentleman and was rarely seen without his standard blue blazer, pocket square and penny loafers, no socks of course. He was cherished by his family and friends for his wonderful generosity (almost to a fault), humorous one-liners and witty "side observations." He is survived by his daughters: Kristen Snyder (Jeremy), of Exton, PA and Katy Wolfington (Tom Schindler), of Coatesville, PA; son: Hawley Chester (Kara), of New York City; grandchildren: Madison, Carter and Creighton; sisters: Patrice Burd (Frank), of Reisterstown, MD and Sally Chester (Nicky Williford), of Stevenson, MD; many nieces and nephews; and his step-daughter: Lesley Weiman, of New Orleans, LA. The family would like to express its deepest appreciation for the wonderful help and care given to Jim by the staff at Jenners Pond and Willowtree Hospice. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts in honor of Jim be made to the Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

James Hawley Chester

February 15, 1942 - October 23, 2020