James Douglas Karstetter Obituary (2024)

Born on August 31,1943 in Bremerton, WA to Jared and Mary (Bator) Karstetter, "Doug" was the youngest of three brothers joining Jared and Richard. Jim attended St. Aloysius Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Spokane's West Valley High in 1961. He attended Wenatchee Jr. College before going into the Navy. Jim served three tours in Vietnam working with airplanes on Navy carriers. He was awarded medals and honorably discharged in 1967. Upon his return from service in Vietnam, he attended CWU in Ellensburg and graduated with a BS in Chemistry. Jim was a practicing Lab Tech at the local medical center before joining John I. Haas Co. as a Chemist for 20 + years. He later took courses in Instrumentation at Perry Tech and worked for All Seasons Heating for five years. He lived and worked in Yakima since 1972. Jim was a member of Holy Family and St. Paul's Church. He had special interest in restoring his 1967 Chevy Impala and enjoyed his pet cat, golfing and skiing. Jim married Susan Menig at St. Andrew's Catholic Church (Ellensburg) August 1971. They welcomed daughter Jessica and son Matthew. They later divorced. Jim was predeceased by his parents, son Matthew (2012) and brothers Jared and Richard. He is survived by his daughter Jessica, granddaughter Genesis, grandson Matthew Jr, step-granddaughter Dani Griffith, and several nephews and nieces. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Pauls Cathedral, in the chapel with a reception to follow in the church hall. Viewing will follow the reception at Brookside Funeral Home from 1:00pm-3:00pm. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 11:15am at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA with a reception to follow at Bruchi's restaurant in Medical Lake.