James "Jim" R. Galster, Sr.

James “Jim” R. Galster, Sr., age 89, of Evansville, IN, passed away at 10:28 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Hamilton Pointe Health and Rehab in Newburgh IN.

Jim was born December 19, 1929 in Tower Hill, Ill, to Benjamin and Myrtle (Weaver) Galster. He graduated from Stivers High School in 1947.  Jim’s career in the finance world started as a collection agent. He became a manager in Louisville, KY, and then moved to Evansville’s eastside office of Interstate Finance, where he met his wife, Sharon in 1960.  (Interstate Finance later changed to CrediThrift Corp. and then to American General.) After his transfer to Anderson IN, love blossomed between them, and they were married in 1961. From Anderson, IN, they moved to Springfield OH, where their two sons were born. Throughout his 38-year career, Jim managed offices in Anderson, IN, Springfield, OH, East St. Louis, IL, Terre Haute, IN until moving back to Evansville, IN in 1970. There Jim was promoted to Vice President of the Morris Plan Office and later became President of Morris Plan/Thrift offices until he retired in 1982. Jim was always proud of his employees and always happy in his work. He and his family enjoyed traveling in their RV, their travel trailer and yes, in their tents after switching to boating. Many wonderful weekends were spent on the beautiful Ohio River or Kentucky Lake.  Previously, Jim’s favorite hobby was to visit our local East Side Walmart, get a motorized moving chair, and shop. He knew almost every staff member, and they knew and loved him. Never a visit occurred on our trips that he did not lose me and they would help him with the search. Jim’s kindness and friendliness extended far beyond those he knew. He never met a stranger. As Jim’s memory started to fade, his favorite place was sitting at the river, remembering the wonderful times they enjoyed on the Ohio. Jim was also a member the Reed Lodge #316, Scottish Rite and the Hadi Temple for over 50 years.

This was written by Jim’s wife; Sharon and I can’t say enough good things about this man. I know, I was blessed! He gave us a beautiful life together, never thinking of himself first. Never an I, but always a We. I know his Naval career was a big thrill to him. Three years and eight months aboard the USS Henderson Destroyer 785, in the Pacific during the Korean War. Jim was the radio operator for the entire tour of duty. Dan Oates escorted Jim on the Honor Flight in 2017, which was the icing on the cake for him. What a thrilling experience for someone who loved the Navy so deeply. Patriotic to the very end, his blood ran Red White & Blue. So, if you were blessed to have known this man, these above words ring true but if you never met him, you will one day, in Heaven. His place is reserved, and I hope one day to be waltzing beyond the Moon with him again.

Our family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Hamilton Pointe Memory Assisted Living unit for their love, patience and understanding over the past several months.

Surviving Jim is his wife of 58 years, Sharon (DeSheilds); sons, James R. Galster, Jr. (Mary) and Benjamin Galster of Sarasota FL; grandchildren, Jena Rene’ Galster and Taylor Keith Galster; and his precious dog, Hope, a Terroir Beagle.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Miller Galster, Ralph Arthur Galster and George Roger Galster (Betty Jean); sisters, JoAnn Galster and Jackie Galster (Si).

Funeral Services will be private. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Evansville Wartime Museum at 7503 Petersburg Rd, Evansville, IN 47725 or P.A.A.W.S. No Kill Animal Rescue at PO BOX 115, Newburgh, IN 47629

Arrangements are being handled by Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

"THE FINAL VOYAGE”

by Sharon R. Galster
         in memory of my Husband, James R. Galster Sr.

The morning sun, rises to shine..
As the sea rests quiet and calm..
The Eternity Ship sails gentle and smooth,
And makes it's way through the fog.

There is no Captain, steering the vessel,
It is directed from Heaven beyond,
Five passengers on board, await his arrival.
His siblings, who had already passed on.

As the ship docks safely,
And he is piped aboard,
That man is a Proud Navy Veteran,
Taking his final journey home.

The band of brothers now travel...
Together again, as in the past..
Two sisters now, embrace them..
And gently hold them fast!

He sits proudly in the Captains chair..
And heads the Ship toward the sky..
Watching and waiting...a Greeting crew,
WELCOMING him to his New Life.

The stars navigate his journey,
The clouds whisper "You are Home"
God's Gentle arms embrace him with Love...
Telling him that his work on earth, is now done.

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