James Kaster

James Russell Kaster, age 88, of Albia, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at his home.
James was born on July 25, 1937, the son of Vernon and Katherine (Espy) Kaster. He graduated from Cincinnati High School with the Class of 1955. On March 31, 1956, he was united in marriage to Barbara McConnell. To this union, four children were born, Deb, Becky, Dennis and Jimmy.
James worked for John Deere in Ottumwa for 30 years, before retiring at the age of 52. Simultaneously, he worked as a farmer, and continued farming throughout his life. He would check his cows a couple times a day with his dog, Sadie on the four-wheeler.
James was a very opinionated man, but also very simple. He was a man of faith, reading his bible every morning. In his free time, he enjoyed taking the coon dogs to field trials, coon hunting, golf, and watching sports on the television- including watching the Cardinals play baseball and the Chiefs play football. James was also fond of gardening, which he took very seriously, as well as spending time with his grandchildren and going to their sporting events. He treasured the times when his family gathered together for holidays and birthdays.
Left to honor James' memory are his children, Deb (Russell) Ferguson, Becky Kaster, Dennis (Collette) Kaster, and Jimmy (Kathy) Kaster; grandchildren, Kari, Morgan (Clint), Kris (Kate), Kory (Holly), Tony (Chelsey), Sam, Sophie, Meghann (Randall), Josh, and Thatcher; great grandchildren, Cael, Jordan, Ava, Madeline, Matthew, Will, Taylor, Kirsten, Hawkins, Veronica, Ransom, John, Jasper, and Melody (Gator); great grandchildren, Iva, Lorelei, and Vera; great-great granddaughter, Vivian; his siblings, John (Rose) Kaster and David (Karla) Kaster; as well as numerous extended family and friends.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Kaster; and his parents, Vernon and Katherine Kaster.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00PM, Monday, October 20, 2025 at the Moravia Grace Church in Moravia with Pastor Shawn LaRue officiating. Burial will follow the service at Haines Cemetery, north of Centerville. Visitation will take place Monday, October 20, 2025 at the Moravia Grace Church, with the family greeting friends from 10:00AM-12:00PM. In lieu of flowers, Memorials have been established to either the Moravia Grace Church or to the A.L.S. Association, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Kaster Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.