James D. ‘Jim’ Casto

EAST LIVERPOOL – James D. “Jim” Casto, of East Liverpool, passed away Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old.

Born in East Liverpool Dec. 9, 1934, he was a devoted son of the late Cecil and Kathryn Shook Casto. A member of the East Liverpool High School Class of 1953, he earned an associate degree in business administration from the University of Marietta, Georgia. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began a 41-year military career. He was a veteran of Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm, serving in the capacities of aircraft maintenance, training and management. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant on Dec. 9, 1994.

Jim loved to make things better around him, whether it was a business, his family or his many friends. He had an unassuming way of making a positive impact on the world around him. He was always active in his community, coaching youth sports or restoring homes. Following his retirement, Jim returned home to East Liverpool where he enjoyed being a part of the preservation and restoration of the Thompson Avenue neighborhood. Above all, he was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

He is survived by two daughters, Deborah “Debi” Kelly and her husband, Don, of Woodstock, Georgia, and Judy Casto and her partner, Dr. Bob, of La Crosse, Wisconsin; and a son, James W. Casto and his wife, Karen, of Canton, Georgia; as well as two grandchildren, Kay and Mike Casto. He also leaves his life partner and best friend, Tracy Hyatt of East Liverpool, and two sisters, Elva Jean Dunlevy and Georgianne Danielson and her husband, Charles Long, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald S. Casto and Wilbert G. Casto.

Friends may visit Friday at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 2 to 6 p.m. Jim’s nephew, David Dunlevy, will conduct a funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be sent to the East Liverpool Beautification Society, 3300 St. Clair Ave., East Liverpool, Ohio 43920 or the Heritage Bike Trail, 119 East 5th St., East Liverpool (checks to be made payable to ELCPR, indicate Bike Trail in the memo).

View Jim’s memorial webpage and express condolences online at www.dawsonfuneralhome.com.

11/18/25