James Edward "Jim" Caster

James Edward Caster was born September 20, 1932 in Kansas City, Mo to Orel (Mechem) Caster and Lee Caster. Jim grew up in Mason City, Iowa, Los Angeles Ca and in Clarion, Iowa which he considered his hometown. Jim served in the US Army at Camp Zama, Japan during the Korean War. Upon his return, Jim attended Eagle Grove Junior College in Eagle Grove, Iowa, where he met his wife, Carmen. After marrying Carmen on November 3, 1957, they moved to Coralville, Ia so that Jim could continue his education at the University of Iowa. Jim graduated with a degree in Education and promptly was hired to teach Social Studies at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Il. While working full-time and raising a young family, JIm pursued his Master’s Degree in Counseling at Loyola University in Chicago. After completing his Master’s, Jim worked as a guidance counselor at Thornridge High School in Dalton, IL and later at Thornwood High School in South Holland, Il. Jim was the college counselor, with the knowledge of which college would best suit a particular student’s need. He also co-ordinated the graduation program at Thornwood for many years and was the Night School Director for the Thornton Community College classes that were held at Thornwood. Jim enjoyed fishing, particularly with his father-in-law. He raised orchids in an elaborate set up in his homes, with lights and with shelves that he built himself. He also enjoyed traveling, from family vacations in South Dakota and Wyoming to cruises to Germany, Norway and China.

Jim is predeceased by his wife Carmen, his parents and a sister, Patricia Hahn. He is survived by a daughter, Carrie Taber (Jim) and a son, Stephen Caster (Santina). He had five grandchildren: Katharine (Jonathan) McEldowney, Charles (Kim) Taber, Emily Taber (Matt Gutschick), Melissa (Mark) Kimball and Rebecca Taber. There are also 9 great grandchildren: Kara, Will and Anne Taber, Steven, Teddy and Esme McEldowney, Dominic and Sammy Kimball and Rhys Gutschick. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Diane Shannon, and 7 nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St John’s Lutheran Church, with visitation at 12:00 and the funeral
at 1:00 on September 21. Burial will be in Funk’s Grove Cemetery.

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