James W. Gast, 85, 521 Commercial Drive, St. Henry, died at 3:15 a.m. March 1, 2007, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.

He was born March 12, 1921, in Celina, to Lewis and Leona Beckman Gast. On Nov. 4, 1950, he married Beatrice Froning, who survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Thomas (Tracy), Bloomington, Ind., Joseph, Seattle, Wash., Dan (Becky), Celina; two daughters, Susan (Paul) Wirtz, Worthington, Paula (Rocket) Rengers, St. Henry; two brothers, John (Marty), Fort Wayne, Ind., and William (Gerry), St. Henry; a brother-in-law, Louis Froning, Coldwater; a sister, Jean (Jack) Bergman, St. Henry; a sister-in-law, Joan (Mark) Wenning, St. Henry; eight grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

Deceased are a brother, Robert; brother-in-law, Maurice Froning; and a sister-in-law, Marge.

He was co-owner of Beckman & Gast Canning Co. and served as president until his retirement in 1983. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, serving as a second lieutenant during World War II. He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, and Kiwanis, St. Henry. He was a graduate of St. Henry High School and attended Miami University. He served as a chaplain for American Legion Post 648, St. Henry, the Board of Governors at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, the board of Blue Cross, Lima, and president of the Ohio Canners and Food Processors Association.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Larry Wyen officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery. American Legion will conduct military rites at the cemetery.

Calling is 2-7 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Condolences may be sent to www.hogenkampfh.com