James D. Kastner, age 87, of Crane Hill, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025. He was born July 31, 1938 in Oak Park, Illinois.
Jim was in retail department store management and sales in Prospect Heights, Illinois, before moving to The Great Outdoors in Titusville, Florida. There, he was active in the Great Outdoors Church and the Prison Book Project. In 2022, due to declining health, Jim moved permanently to Smith Lake in Crane Hill, Alabama.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife of 17 years Joyce Kastner; his sons Alan (Sharon) Kastner, Andy Kastner, and Austin (Barbie) Kastner; his stepsons Kevin (Susan) Harris and Ed (Paula) Harris; his grandchildren Liann Kastner, Danielle Kastner, Niamh Kastner, Melanie Harris, Rachael Cordes, Dillon (Claire) Cordes, Rebekah (Jon Thad) Rodgers, Aubrey (Riley) Moore, and Ben (Mary) Harris; as well as eight great-grandchildren who brought him much joy.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Claudia Kastner; his stepdaughter, Alesia Harris; and his parents, Joseph and Florence Dohnal Kastner.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Smith Lake Baptist Church, 1858 County Road 222, Crane Hill, AL 35053. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow at the church. James will be laid to rest during a graveside committal service at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, 1612 Co Rd 201, Crane Hill, AL 35053.
Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his strong faith, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Prison Book Project, P.O. Box 592 Titusville, FL 32781 or give online at www.prisonbookproject.org.
The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice and caregivers, Michelle Winstead and Savannah Speegle.
To leave condolences for the Kastner family visit mossservicefh.com.
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
