James Lowell Gaston
James Lowell Gaston, Prospect, passed away on December 23 at the age of 79, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and was accelerated by Covid-related weakness. His sweet, ornery smile and wonderful sense of humor will be missed. His departure from this earth will be mourned, but the family is comforted knowing he is now in his forever home with Jesus Christ. No more pain and suffering for the victory has been won.
On October 28, 1943, Jim was born in Delaware. He graduated in 1961 from Waldo High School and grew up as a member of the Waldo Methodist Church. Jim was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in Korea.
He was very persistent in finding the love of his life, Nancy Isler, and they were married on July 20, 1968. He then joined Prospect Baptist Church where he served through the years as deacon, trustee, and moderator.
During his career with GTE/Verizon, Jim was a cable splicer and performed phone installation and repair. As a hobby farmer, he showed registered Dorset sheep at state and national shows with his brother-in-law, Jim Isler. Jim loved his Goldwing motorcycles; he and Nancy rode to 32 states and made many friends. For their Goldwing chapter they were chapter directors, treasurer, and newsletter editors.
He was a member and Past Master of the Ashley Masonic Lodge until it closed and consolidated with Hiram Lodge #18 in Delaware. He was a 32nd degree mason and served in leadership roles with the AASR Valley of Columbus Scottish Rite and the Aladdin Shrine of Columbus.
He faithfully participated in the Delay the Disease exercise program at the YMCA for his Parkinson’s Disease. Thank you to Cheri for her patience, as well as Beth and Daryl.
Jim will be remembered as a kind, fun loving man who always had a good joke to tell. He also had a mischievous way about him as he loved to tease and joke around with his family and friends. He always said he never met a chocolate chip cookie he didn’t like, and he always had an appetite for ice cream.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Nancy (Isler) Gaston; two children, Michelle Gaston (Laura Kunkle) and Jenni (Tom) Hypes; two grandchildren, Emily Hypes and Ryan Burwell; and two great grandchildren, Aiden and Addison Burwell; as well as in-laws, Fred (Reda) Isler, Howard (MaryAnn) Isler, Harold Isler, Chuck (Connie) Isler, and Jim (Kris) Isler, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Mary (Brookens) Gaston, and sister, Ardath Wright.
His family will greet friends from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday January 3, 2023, at the Prospect Baptist Church, 213 North Elm St, Prospect, OH. A Masonic service will be held following calling hours, followed by a memorial service honoring his life. Pastors Tom Hypes (son-in-law) and Deb Moreland will officiate. Burial will be Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Prospect Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Vietnam Veterans of America #1095.
The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Prospect is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Prospect Baptist Church at P.O. Box 51, Prospect, OH 43342 or Aspire Ministries (formerly Love INC) at 205 W. Center St, Marion, OH 43302 or online at www.aspiremarion.org
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home