James Martin Gest

James Martin Gest, 74, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away suddenly Thursday evening, January 22, 2006 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

Jim was born April 16, 1934 in Hubbard, Ohio to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Gest. After he graduated from high school, Jim enlisted in the Army until his discharge in 1955. He married Essie Beckley on December 27, 1954 in Kansas City, Missouri. After serving in the Army he attended Finley College and earned a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Jim went to work for Puritan and was with them for 43 years before retiring in May of 1999. He was called out of retirement and asked to go to Seattle, Washington to help with designing the Boeing 787 "Dreamliner".

Jim was a loving husband, father and family man. He loved to bowl and golf and was on several bowling leagues with Puritan. He was an avid outdoors man, and spent many hours fishing and hunting. Jim was a member of B.A.S.S. Jim was also a master craftsman and enjoyed crafting gifts from wood. He was very proud member of Holy Cross Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was active in his son's Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troops in Lenexa.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Essie and son, Steven Gest, both of the home, and one brother, Joseph Leo Gest, Hubbard, Ohio. He is preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Tuck and Elizabeth Ann Rohde.

The family suggests contributions be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 26, a Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Lenexa.