Jean Barnhart Jost

Dr. Jean Barnhart Jost died February 26, 2011, at her home in Redondo Beach, California. She was 88 years young. She will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, loving heart, tenacity, and ambition. Jean was often called by her nickname, Pat. She was born in Michigan in 1922 and was raised in Korea through high school, where her parents were YMCA missionaries. She returned to the United States and pursued modeling. Later she met her husband, Harlan Jost, who was in the military in World War II. They were married in January of 1946. Jean balanced her career with raising three children. Jean and Harlan adopted their fourth child from Korea in the 1970’s. Jean’s welcoming spirit meant that her home was always open to friends and family. Jean had her own modeling business and worked with Continental Airlines teaching flight attendants grace and poise. She returned to school in order to fulfill a promise to her deceased father. She earned her Bachelors, Masters, and finally her PhD. She practiced with her Doctorate as a Marriage and Family Therapist from the mid 1970’s until June of 2010. She was also a published writer, and wrote a column for the Daily Breeze. Jean is survived by her four children: Randy Jost and his wife Mary, of Arroyo Grande, CA; Candace Miller and her husband Tom, of Playa del Rey, CA; Barry Jost and his wife Karen, of Redondo Beach, CA; Sister Mary Jacob (Li Kuen Soon) of Tehachapi, CA; four grand children; three step-grand children; and three great grand children. Federico Fellini said, “Everything is a miracle. We just have to recognize it.” I believe at the heart of the matter, that this is what Jean Jost was trying to share with everyone she met. She shared her belief that positivity is a powerful tool in the building of one’s life. Her arms reached to embrace others for support and companionship. She brought out the best in so many she met on her journey through this life. She has sprouted wings and flown from us, but the joyous spirit she spread, like light from a sunset, lingers on as an evening glow, as the lights of each star comes forth in the night. A Visitation and Gathering will be on March 17, 2011 at Rice Mortuary, in Torrance, CA; between 4:00 and 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Amnesty International, or the Hospice associated with Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, CA.