James Patrick Laster, age 65, a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21,2026, at Providence Medical Center, following a short illness, surrounded by all of his cherished loved ones.

Jim was born November 20, 1960, to James Laster and Margaret (English) Laster, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Jim settled in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he owned his own heating and cooling company. You could always find him working on a new addition to his home, or enjoying his home movie theater, or vinyl record collection.

In 2018, Jim overcame every obstacle thrown his way between Florida and Kansas courts to adopt his son, Avry. He found great joy in becoming a pa and then a dad. 

Survivors include his son, Avry Laster, of Lawrence, KS; a granddaughter, Lucy Laster of Pink Hill, NC; a brother, John (Janice) Laster of Kearney, MO; a sister Sandy Sawyers of Bonner Springs, KS; his lifelong best friend, Bud Bacon of Southern Missouri; his companion, Ravyn Cooper, of Kansas City, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles Michael Laster of Fullerton, NE; his brother-in-law, Steve Sawyers of Bonner Springs, KS; and his nephew, Robert ‘Jace’ Idom of Kearney, MO.

His family is honoring his wish to be cremated. A memorial service and celebration of life is planned for a later date.