James K. "Jimmy" Kastner, age 57, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospital due to complications related to COVID. Born October 11, 1968, Jimmy has now gone to the big stadium in the sky, where he will forever be defending the den from above.
Jimmy was born in Erie, Michigan, and later relocated to Monroe, where he worked for Ford Motor Company and started his family. In recent years he found joy cooking weekend shifts at Mega Diner, where he loved the camaraderie, laughter, and friendly bets shared among coworkers throughout each shift.
After many challenges, Jimmy found healing and spent his final five years seeking recovery-something he worked incredibly hard for and was deeply proud of. Before sobriety, Jimmy experienced a season he later reflected on with regret, a journey he continued to work through with his family. A special thank you is extended to Don Clark, who helped lead Jimmy back to the Lord.
Jimmy enjoyed Sundays at Centerpoint Church and was a passionate sports fan, especially of the University of Michigan and the Detroit Lions. He loved 80s rock and roll, the color pink, playing softball for Great Lakes Recovery Mission, sand volleyball, card games, the beach, and-most of all-making people smile. To know Jimmy was truly to know love.
Jimmy was generous and always ready with a big smile and an even bigger hug. His contagious energy could light up any room, and the words "YEAH BABY!" will forever echo in the hearts and minds of those who loved him.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jackson Kastner. He is survived by his daughter, Josie Kastner; his sister, Christine Kastner; his Aunt Anita Warren; special friends Jolene Marshall, Rachel Harris, Larry Lenior, Erin Johnston; and his little buddy Gabe, who proudly called him "Uncle Jimmy"-one of Jimmy's favorite titles. He is also survived by his entire GLRM family, whom he was truly proud to call his own, his fellow AA members, and all who supported and loved him along the way.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Clio Community Church of God on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jimmy's name to Great Lakes Recovery Mission, continuing his legacy of hope and recovery by helping others seek treatment ( http://www.greatlakesrecoverymission.com/foundation ).