Obituaries

James Albert Deist

James Albert Deist, age 81, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 7, 2009, at his home in Charlotte, NC.  Jim was born July 14, 1927 in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of Albert Deist and Margaret Shultz Deist. Jim enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country in WWII and the Korean War, stationed in Norfolk Va.  He worked over 40 years for the Miners & Mechanics Savings & Trust Company in Steubenville before he retired as a Senior Vice President. He was a long time member and elder of Starkdale Presbyterian Church; and Steubenville Masonic Lodge 45  for which he  recently received a 60 year award.  Jim was also a 32nd Degree member of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite Freemasonry and  a member of the Steubenville Shine Club faithfully serving as their treasurer for over 30 years.

Surviving are his wife of fifty-eight years Mary Joan “Jo” (Dougherty) Deist, whom he married on February 17, 1951 in Steubenville; his daughters, Cynthia Lynn Pesta, ( married to Donald R. Pesta, Jr.  and their children, Megan Leigh Pesta, Erin Ashley Pesta, future son-in-law Vincent Paul Jones, and Scott Jameson Pesta) and Mary Jo Hendricks, (married to Michael K. Hendricks and their children, Jonathan Michael Hendricks and Allison Jayne Hendricks) and sister-in-law Edith Dougherty. An avid golfer, Jim was a member of Williams Country Club  and the Cadiz Country Club.  Mr. Deist was a kind and generous man who will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home,  215 Fernwood Road  on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until time of services at 1p.m with Rev. Dr. Phillip Makari officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery.  Masonic services Saturday 11:15 a.m. 

Memorial contributions may be made to: Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233-3549 or Starkdale Presbyterian Church, 4600 Sunset Boulevard, P.O. Box 2368, Steubenville, OH 43953

Date of Death: May 7, 2009