Colonel James Christian "Jim" Gast, USAF (Ret)

James Christian Gast, Colonel USAF Retired

    James Christian “Jim” Gast, 81, of Sherwood, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital (LR). Jim was born April 26, 1944, in Marion, OH, to the late James A. and Eileen Mitton Gast. He graduated from Marion High School in 1966. He then graduated from Capital University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and later graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a Master's degree in Business.

     Jim joined the Air Force in 1966; his Air Force career spanned 30 years, during which he was stationed at 10 different airbases, some more than once. His military career specialized in intercontinental ballistic missile operations and the maintenance and logistics of ground-launched cruise missiles. He served in command and staff positions at wing and major command levels. Along the way, he also made many lifelong friends.

     After the military, Jim served as the Director of the Second Opportunity School and worked with at-risk youth. He also volunteered teaching adult reading. Jim had many hobbies and interests over the years. He enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting, Formula 1 racing, cycling, planning trips, traveling with Cecelia, and spending time with his granddaughters. Jim kept a well-manicured yard and grew beautiful roses. He also loved to cheer on the Ohio State Football team in person or on tv with the other two members of the Central Arkansas Buckeye Fan Association.

     Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Cecelia Stewart Gast. His daughter, Christina Gast Harris (Jim Ryan) of Mason, Ohio; his two granddaughters, Anna and Lucy Harris, and his brother Stephen Gast (Carole) of Wooster, Ohio; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

     The family would like to thank Dr. Kewen Jauss, Dr. Thomas Conley, and Dr. Ron Kuhn, along with their staff, for the many years of care and kindness they have shown Jim and his family.

     Memorial donations may be made to CARTI Foundation or AR Hospice Foundation.

     Funeral arrangements will be announced on Monday, February, 2nd, so please check back to our website for the time, date, and location.  Thank you.