- Date Of Birth: January 24, 1935
- Date Of Death: March 5, 2016
- State: Missouri
James Richard “Jim” Koester, 81, of Cairo, MO, died Saturday, March 5, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born January 24, 1935 in Excello, MO to William Barnes and Velva Merea (Brock) Koester.
Jim served his country in the U.S. Army receiving an honorable discharge. Prior to retirement he worked for the coal mine, the pipeline, on road construction and as a farmer.
Jim married Brenda O’Bryan, the love of his life on August 4, 1973 and she survives. Also surviving are his children, Ted Koester and wife Kelly of Chatham, IL, Jacqueline Koester of Cairo, Jamie Milcik and husband Chris of Moberly and Jason Koester and wife Tess of Cairo. Step- children, Lori Wilson, Chuck and Steve Tuggle, ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Thelma Koester of Columbia, MO, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Alice Nell Kribbs, his second wife Roberta Jean Lewis Tuggle, three brothers, Lloyd, Everett and Henry Koester, his sister, Wilma Dale Bartee, sisters-in-law, Flora Koester and Janice Wilson and a brother-in-law, Eldon Bartee.
Jim was a 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge and the Order of Eastern Star, he was also a lifetime member of the Moose lodge and a member of the Cairo Christian Church. He loved fishing, gardening, hunting and spending time with his family.
