James K. Marstiller, 82, of St. Louis, Mo., died Monday, March 11, 2002, of complications from pneumonia in Sarasota, Fla., where he was wintering.
He was born July 23, 1919, in Jacksonville, Fla., and raised in Elkins.
He attended Davis & Elkins College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in physics and mathematics prior to gaining his master’s degree in mathematics from MIT. He was one of the first 1,000 aeronautical engineers in the country. His career, which spanned 50 years, was centered on serving his country, designing aircraft during World War II, pioneering the space program and in facilitating international relations in NATO Aviation programs.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 50 years; one daughter, Marilyn Henry of Little Rock, Ark.; two sons, James K. Marstiller Jr. of St. Louis, Mo., and John Marstiller of Littleton, Colo.; eight grandchildren, Rebecca and Jimmy Tanner, Lauren and Rachel Henry, Madeline and Robbie Marstiller and Katie and Ryan Marstiller.
He will be greatly missed as he touched so many lives in so many ways. He served as an elder of the church, Boy Scout leader, coach, teacher, devoted husband, father, mentor and patriot. He further played the role of favorite father-in-law to Liles, Lisa and Annette.
A memorial service will be at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church Saturday at 2 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Louis Area Council of Boy Scouts or Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, W.Va. 26241.
