Diane and Jim Lestor

Diane and Jim Lestor are prominent citizens of East Texas and have been married for 53 years. Jim grew up in the ever-changing climate of Minnesota, while Diane is from hot and humid Houston. Diane grew up visiting Tyler for family vacations and loved the East Texas community. After graduating from college, Diane became a flight attendant for American Airlines and worked with the company for 35 years. Jim worked for State Farm Insurance for 37 years. They were both were recognized within their respective industries with performance awards. Shortly after their careers began, Jim and Diane met and were soon married.

The Lestors have a passion for traveling and have explored diverse destinations around the globe, from Belgium and Africa to Singapore. Jim’s favorite location is Antarctica, while Diane prefers the more historic destinations.

Besides traveling, the Lestors also love to minister to people through various means. Education has been a central focus for Diane and Jim, who have been deeply involved with the TJC Promise Program since its inception. Jim now serves on the Board for the Tyler Junior College Foundation. He refers to the TJC Promise Program as “an amazing thing that affects the lives of so many area students and guarantees them a rewarding future through education.”

When Diane and Jim aren’t serving on boards, ministering to shut-ins, or engaging in various philanthropic activities, they enjoy water skiing, gardening, and reminiscing about their years of raising horses.

Jim said, “We are living every day to the fullest that we can. Our days are never the same. We are best friends, moving forward every day, together; just as we have for more than 50 years.”