LifeStoryNet.com

Life Story Funeral Homes®
The exclusive providers of the Life Story Experience

 

Life Story Funeral Homes®
The exclusive providers of the Life Story Experience

Jackson Hester Jr.

September 28, 1933 - October 10, 2013
Galesburg, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg

Obituary


Print

Jackson lost his long battle with cancer on October 10th, 2013, just days after celebrating his 80th birthday. Born on September 28th, 1933 in Norfolk, Virginia; Dr. Hester received his Bachelor of Science degree from MIT and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. In 1960, he joined the Upjohn Company where he pursued a successful career as a medicinal chemist until his retirement in 2004. Credited with over 120 patents and the discovery of three significant drugs, Dr. Hester has been regarded by many as one of the finest medicinal chemists of his generation. Among his discoveries include the anti-anxiety medication Xanax, which remains the most prescribed psychiatric drug in America. Among his many accolades include the highest award in the pharmaceutical industry: the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Discoverers Award. Dr. Hester was a very quiet, humble and profoundly curious man, who loved nature. He had a beautiful garden each summer, and enjoyed volunteering with the Kellogg's Biological Station's annual production of maple syrup. Jackson Hester was preceded in death by his wife Judith in 2004, and is survived by his sister Martha Tanner of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his son Michael and daughter in-law Julia of Tucson, Arizona; his son Matthew, daughter in law Louise, and grandchildren Niklas and Annika of Portland, Maine; and close friend and companion Janet Duggan of Augusta. A memorial gathering will be held from 5-7pm on Monday October 14, at Theo and Stacy's Restaurant www.theoandstacys.com, 5225 Portage Road. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Galesburg-Augusta Education Foundation. Arrangement by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit Jackson's personalized webpage for his online guestbook or to leave a condolence to Jackson's family at www.langelands.com.