Jay T. Lester

Jay Thomas Lester of Davie, Florida died unexpectedly November 17, 2024. Growing up in a military family, Jay was born at Tachikawa Air Force base, Japan and traveled overseas as a young child. As an adult, Jay enjoyed a twenty plus year career as a fire fighter/EMT having first worked as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Wilton Manors, and then worked full time as a firefighter/EMT for St. Lucie County, Pompano Beach, and lastly Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. He considered his co-workers family, spoke highly of them, and raved about the meals served at the fire station. One of the things he particularly enjoyed was sitting in the back of the rescue truck with the patients. 

Jay is predeceased in death by his late wife, Victoria Ann Lester, and mother and father, Angelina P. and Winfred T. Lester. He is survived by his sons, Phillip Lester (Sidney McLeod) and Thomas Lester (Meghan Rogers), sisters Mary Ann and Michaelina Lester and a multitude of people who loved him: friends, extended family members and co-workers. 

Jay enjoyed fresh and saltwater fishing, but frequently watched his fellow fishing companions catch more and bigger fish than he managed. Recently Jay started taking photography lessons, perhaps to document the legendary, “One That Got Away.” 

The 2002 Blue Bucket of Bolts that Jay referred to as his van was held together by duct tape, dirt and prayers. Sitting in the back seat was tricky, as the rear side doors would not cooperate. The noisy commotion created by this old run-down van arrived at Jay’s destination way before he did. 

How do we honor one so dearly loved and respected? We do that by honoring each other the way Jay lived his life: Be anonymously generous. Laugh. Greet folks you love with a hug and hug them like you mean it. And don’t forget to wash the dirty dishes without being asked.  A Funeral Service with Fire Department Honors will be Held on Saturday December 7, 2024, 4:00PM at the Sanctuary Church, 1400 N. Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale.