James David Casto

Sir James David Casto, Sr., beloved father and grandfather, a real estate mogul who specialized in shopping center development, died early Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 83. Born October 3, 1926 in Boomer, West Virginia, son of the late James E. and Gladys (Lyon) Casto, he served in the United States Army on the Atomic Bomb Project during World War II. Post war, he attended The Ohio State University where he would become a Varsity “O” Alumni and member of the Faculty Club. Casto, an entrepreneur, went on to establish Casto Investments Company, Ltd., Casto Equities Corporation and Casto Enterprises. He was a Founder of the International Council of Shopping Centers. Casto served as an honorary associate of the Harry S. Truman Library Institute for National and International Affairs and an honorary Chairman for the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio. He was a member of the Board of the Salvation Army. He was one of the original founders of the Adios Golf Club as well as its first President. In 1995, President Clinton appointed him to the President’s Advisory Committee of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. An active philanthropist throughout his life, Casto made contributions to numerous organizations including the Columbus Zoo and The Ohio State University. He donated land to the City of Columbus, Ohio, which was dedicated in his name as James D. Casto Park. He was a member of York Lodge # 563 F & AM; Scottish Rite and Aladdin Temple Shrine. In 2000, Casto was knighted by Prince Henri Paleologo of the St. John Knights of Malta as a Knight of Merit. His hobbies included boating, playing cards with his close friends, racing thoroughbred horses and spending quality time with his family. He is survived by his children, Deborah E. Casto, of Columbus, OH, Darcy Casto Weber and husband, Glenn Weber, of Upper Arlington, OH and James D. Casto Jr., and wife Elizabeth Casto of Dublin, OH; grandchildren, James Weber and Lauren Weber, J.D. Casto III, Jenny Casto and Tyler Casto; other relatives and many friends. Friends may call 12 Noon – 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2009 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, where Masonic Service will be held 2:45p.m Monday. A Celebration of Life Service will be held for family and friends at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., with Dr. Richard Wing officiating. Private entombment in Boomer, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Drive, Powell, OH 43065; or Richard A, Ross Heart Hospital, 452 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 or to Flying Horse Farms, 225 Green Meadows Drive S.; Suite A, Lewis Center, OH 43035, in his memory. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences to the family.