Age 67, of Burton Village, OH, died peacefully at University Hospitals in Cleveland on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 surrounded by his family. Jim was born on October 12, 1950, in Garfield Hts., OH, to Cyril and Mary (Nee: Novak) Koster.

Jim was a graduate of Berkshire High School, Class of 1969. He graduated from Hiram College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Economics, and attended Kent State University for additional studies. He married Janice Sanislo on July 22, 1977, in Chester Township.

Jim started his career in Education as a teacher and coach with the West Geauga School District. He then became the administrative assistant to the Superintendent. He advanced his career as the Director of Transportation with South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District, followed by Director of Business for the Garfield Hts. City Schools.

Public Service was also very important to Jim. He served over 45 years in police service, attending the police academy in Chardon in 1973 and joining the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office upon graduation. He also had worked for Chester Twp., Russell Twp., Middlefield Village Police Departments, and was currently the Police Chief of the Thompson Twp. Police Department. He was a member of the Blue Knights Chapter (the international law enforcement motorcycle club) in Bedford Hts.

His commitment to community service and local government includes being elected as the youngest trustee in the state of Ohio as a Burton Township Trustee. Jim is a past and current member of the governing board of the Geauga County Educational Service Center. He has also served on the West Geauga and Berkshire School Boards. He had served as Treasurer of the Geauga County Historical Society. Jim was currently the Mayor of Burton Village, Ohio. All of this service was to make changes for the better and to improve people’s lives.

Survivors include his wife, Janice, of Burton Village; 2 sisters, Joanne (Robert) Wilson of Russell Twp. and Michele (Gregg) Guarniere of Auburn Twp.; brother, Tom (Sharie) Koster of Rootstown, OH; 6 Nieces; 7 Nephews; and 2 grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Deborah Hupp.

Donations may be made to the Garden Club of Ohio Scholarship Fund, c/o Shirley Basista, 8623 Hollis Lane, Brecksville, OH  44141-2031