James Robert Coster, age 77 of Portage passed away Sunday, May 17, 2015. He was born on August 25, 1937 in Gary, Indiana to the late James and Virginia Coster. He graduated from Merrillville High School in 1955 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy on the ammunition ship USS Mt. Baker. He was a member of the American Legion Post #260 and the Hobart Presbyterian Church. James retired from Bethlehem Steel with 34 years of service and had also worked at the Gary-Hobart Water Company. James was an avid bowler and golfer. He also enjoyed the outdoors and was close with his family

He is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Barbara Coster (nee Eckstrom) of Portage, IN; three daughters, Karen (Phillip) Mesarch of Portage, IN; Donna (Gary) Monroe of Hobart, IN; Pamela (Michael) Teer of Hobart, IN; six grandchildren, Allison and Eric Mesarch, Scott and Kaylee Monroe, and Matthew and Stephanie Teer, brothers, Jon (Alice) Coster of Long Beach, CA; Floyd (Pat) Alexander of Valparaiso, IN; brother-in-law, Keith (Valerie) Eckstrom.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Virginia Coster and mother, Laura Coster, two brothers, Thomas and Joseph Coster.

Funeral services are Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Rev. Jeffrey Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation is Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. Call (219) 942-2109 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.