James Martin Koester passed away peacefully on June 22, 2023 at the age of 82.

On January 16, 1941, Jim was born in Butler, PA. He graduated from Hamden High in 1958, then attended Michigan State in 1959 and Quinnipac College in 1961 - 1963. Afterward he worked for Sherwin Williams from 1962 until he retired in 1998.

While living in Litchfield, CT he married Benay and had three children before moving to Vero Beach, FL in January 1985. There he met and married Deborah on June 13, 1987.

Jim is survived by his wife Deborah Landers Koester and his children Kristine Koester Devaux, Kimberly Koester, James Koester and step children Shane Landers and Shawna Landers Carton. Also Jim's pride and joy, eleven grandchildren, each of whom he loved dearly and taught to enjoy fishing, cooking and his passion for tinkering. Surviving also are his sister Barbara Koester Lyall, his first wife Benay Civitello Koester Skoglund.

He is preceded in death by his parents Gustav Koester and Margaret Davidson Koester also his brother David Koester.

The family will have a private gathering in the fall of this year for a Celebration of Jim's Life.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: The Hope for Families Center Inc by mailing a check to 715 4th Place in Vero Beach, FL 32962, using a credit card by calling 772-567-5537, or Click Here to visit the online donation site: Hope for Families Center.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com.

Loving Memories.