Obituary of James K. Amster

James Keith Amster, 90, formerly of Merritt Island, Florida, passed away at home in Palm Beach Gardens on May 25, 2023. He was born January 20, 1933, on the Amster farm in Madison County, Kentucky. After graduating high school in 1952, he joined the Air Force, serving four years and four in the reserves with an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1961, joining the Western Electric company for three years. In 1964 Jim joined NASA and spent the remainder of his distinguished career at the Kennedy Space Center working on Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island for fifty years serving as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. Jim was a devoted follower of Jesus, and his love of God colored his entire life. He was a humble and quiet man who served his country, government, church, and God throughout his life. His love for Jesus led him to be the greatest servant to his family. He adored his loving wife, Virginia Faye (Tipton) Amster, to his dying breath. Married for 66 years, Jim loved Faye wholeheartedly and exemplified a Christ-honoring picture of marriage. He kept his promise to 'never go to bed angry' and to 'kiss his love goodnight' every day. Jim was a tremendous father to Timothy Keith, Gregory Micheal, Troy Alan, and Teresa Lynn. He provided his children with a stable, loving home and a solid source of wisdom throughout life. Jim demonstrated his love for others by serving at church, coaching sports teams, fixing neighbors' cars, or holding a crying baby. He was a proud Papa to nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren—all delighted by his laugh, love, and sweet papa hugs. Jim will be greatly missed, but we are comforted knowing he is made whole in Christ.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Martha Amster, and his sister Betty Amster Bates. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Faye, and children, Keith (Carey), Greg (Tascha), Troy (Ann), and Teresa (Dallas)Bogle, and grandchildren Jessica (Justin) Olds, Cassidi (Dalton)Elowsky, Keifer, Jared, Dallas (Jordan) Bogle, Brooke (Landon) Moore, Jack, Thomas, and Mary-Evelyn; great-grandchildren Caiden and Ella Olds, Kollins and Knox Moore; his brother Robert (Mary Frances) Amster and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the chapel of First Baptist Church Merritt Island (140 Magnolia Avenue), with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to House of Hope, 345 Magnolia Avenue, Merritt Island, FL 32952.