SYRACUSE — James R. “Jim” Feaster, 86, passed away on Aug. 17, 2016, at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City. He was born on July 19, 1930, the son of Ferdinand L. Feaster and Leo (Whitson) Feaster.
Jim began his life in Tuskahoma, Okla. and moved many times as a small child. At the age of 7 he moved with his family to Claflin and attended Claflin High School, graduating in 1948. He went on to further his education attending Fort Hays State University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1953. Soon after college he served his country as an officer in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. Following his military service he returned to Pratt where he began working with his father at Feaster Trucking. In 1960, he moved to Plains and began his own business as Owner/Operator of Feaster Trucking Crude Oil Transport for three years. In 1963, he moved to Claflin where he continued his trucking business for four years, relocating to Dodge City in 1967. In 1969, he moved to Syracuse continuing to work in the trucking industry. He resided there until his passing.
On Aug. 2, 1952, he married Mary Louise Harvey in Claflin. To this union five children were born, Mary Jo, Beth, Clark, Scott, and Barbara.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, and a past member of the Hamilton County Hospital Board, both of Syracuse. Other prior affiliations include the Kansas Motor Carriers Association, Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, and Kansas Silver Hair Legislature. He enjoyed opera and classical music, traveling, and reading, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his spouse, Mary Louise Harvey Feaster of Syracuse; two sons, Clark Feaster and wife Mary, of Syracuse, and Scott Feaster of Olathe; three daughters, Mary Jo Taylor and husband Todd, of Stafford, Beth Riley and husband Phil, of Syracuse, and Barbara Walz and husband Rick, of Garden City; two sisters, Sue Hobbs of Lawrence and Dortha Coalter of Killeen, Texas; as well as numerous family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ferdinand L. Feaster; his mother, Leo (Whitson) Feaster; a brother, Jack Feaster; and a grandson, Levi Westeman.
Graveside services were held on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 at the Syracuse Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to fellersfh@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church in care of Fellers Funeral Home & Monuments LLC, P.O. Box 1253, Syracuse, KS 67878.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 26, 2016**
