James Lynn Kestner

  James Lynn Kestner, age 67, of Bristol, Virginia, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2016 at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee. He was born on September 6, 1948 to James N. Kestner and the late Ruby Hearl Kestner.   James was a Vietnam Veteran having honorably served in the United States Air Force. During his military career, James was a Military/Air Policeman.  Following military, he also served as a Civilian Policeman.   James had many hobbies and passions but two of his favorites were art and genealogy. Those left to cherish his memory include his father, James N. Kestner, Abingdon, VA; children: Victoria Kestner, Bristol, VA, Celeste Johnson and husband Andrew, Bristol, Angie Johnson and husband Eric, Johnson City, TN and Scott Carpenter, Wyoming; sisters:  Kathy Kestner, Diana Rasnake, Kentucky and Teresa Branson, Bristol, VA; brother, Roger Kestner and wife Sharon, Bristol, TN; numerous grandchildren; several great grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.   Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Forest Hill Cemetery Reception Hall. Military rites will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.James will be laid to rest at the Mountain Home National Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 to assist with final expenses. The family would like to thank all the medical staff at the VA’s PCU, Johnson City Medical Center’s ICU and Vanderbilt University Medical Center for the excellent care and compassion shown during Jim’s brief illness. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mountaincityfh.com.   The family of James Lynn Kestner has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.