Father James A. Kastner died in Oklahoma City on December 22, 2003 after a lengthy illness with kidney disease. He was born on August 9, 1934 in Shawnee, the middle of the five children of Anthony Augustine and Alberta Boles Kastner. He grew up in Shawnee and El Reno. From his early years he wanted to be a priest, and he was ordained in Rome on December 20, 1959 after his studies at St. John’s Seminary in Little Rock and the North American College in Rome. Father Kastner’s first assignment was at St. Francis Xavier in Tulsa, 1960-1962. From 1962-1967 he served on the faculty of St. Francis Seminary where he taught Latin. He served as associate at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oklahoma City, from 1966-1969, and then became pastor of St. John the Baptist, Edmond, where he served four years. In 1973 he began ten years as pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, Oklahoma City, followed by twelve years as pastor of St. James, Oklahoma City. His last eight years before his illness were served at Christ the King, Oklahoma City. Father Kastner also contributed long service as Diocesan Master of Ceremonies (22 years), Judge on the Tribunal (30 years), Personnel Board and Board for Seminarians (more than 12 years each), in addition to his efforts as Vicar for Religious, member of the Council of Priests, an Archdiocesan Consultor, member of the Permanent Deacon Board and Ministry to Priests Board and the Priests’ Retirement Trust. He was Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia from 1984 to 2002. He was a man of God and of the Church, to which he readily devoted his life. Father Kastner was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Michael. His brother Paul, brother David and wife Julie, sister Adele Crump, and sister in law Doris survive him. Nieces and nephews and their spouses include Toni and Skip Ward, Scot Kastner, Angela and Mike Chancellor, Andrea and Mike Hain, Jimmy, Mark and Alex Crump, Diane Saddoris, Karen and Steve Sanders, Paul and Margie Kastner. Great nieces and nephews include Cody and Matthew Chancellor, Joshua and Sarah Hain, Leah and Chad Saddoris, Kristen and John Kastner and Heather and Cole Ward. Viewing will be at Christ the King Catholic Church from 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 27, until the Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral on Saturday, December 28, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at the El Reno Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Father James Kastner Seminarian Fund.