“The Cop Who Cared”
Prosser has lost another one of its finest. James L. Castagne, age 75, entered into rest on January 10, 2017 at his home at Sun Terrace in Prosser. He was born on April 30, 1941 to Edward Joseph and Ella (Lutznehiser) Castagne in Billings, Montana where he was raised and educated.
Later, in Lincoln, Montana he worked at a gas station and drove the service truck. He would not hesitate to pick up strangers off the street and give them a ride to where they were going. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone. Jim entered law enforcement at the age of twenty-one and proudly served as a Sargeant with the Prosser Police Department for fifteen years until injured in a motorcycle accident.
Jim enjoyed spending time at 10-4 Café in Grandview, the Truck Stop and Café Villa. He was outgoing, personable, enjoyed joking around with the restaurant staff, telling stories and making people laugh. He was never afraid to speak his mind and would razzle people just for the fun of it. Most of all he loved his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed taking them out for breakfast, never missed spending the holidays or birthdays with them and entertaining them with his magic tricks. He was a humble man and appreciated everything his family gave him. Jim also enjoyed working in his yard, his blue 1950 Deluxe Chevy and Diesel, his cat, enjoying chocolates, especially Kit-Kats, and his grandson’s magic tricks even though they didn’t fool him.
Jim is survived by his children, Joella Marx (Ron); Chris Castagne (Kimberly) and their children, Nathan and Abby; Teresa Castagne and her children Stephen, Tommy Mishayla; Edward Castagne (Tammy) and their children, Justin, Jessica and Garrett; his adopted children, Patricia Morales, Rudy Morales, Eloisa Morales and Lilly Zepeda (Pedro) and their children Cristyan, Andru and Juliette; and his step-children, Tammy Oakley (William) and their children, Nick, Chris Andy and Bill; and Shannon Calvert and his children, Kaylin, Brenden and Nathan; his sister, Shirley Denny (Kenneth); and his dear friend, Scott Hamilton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (name unknown) and wives, Mary Jo Castagne, Edith Castagne and Nannette Pruitt; Sylvia Morales (Eloisa’s daughter) and Lanette Calvert (wife of Shannon).
The family greatly appreciates Lilly and her family for the wonderful care they have given to Jim over the years.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Bethel Church in Prosser. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, January 19 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Prosser Funeral Home. You may leave a message for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com.