James “Barney” Koestler Sr. died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010. He was 49.

Born in Memphis, Tenn., he had been a resident of Vicksburg most of his life. Mr. Koestler attended St. Aloysius High School and had completed his junior year when his family moved to Azle, Texas, where he graduated from Azle High School. He was a graduate of Hinds Junior College and attended the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mr. Koestler retired from Ergon Refining. He was an enthusiastic sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, and he will be remembered for his cooking.

He was a member of the Vicksburg Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Tina Lee Koestler of Vicksburg; two sons, James B. Koestler Jr. (Ginger) of Oxford and Ben Koestler of Vicksburg; his parents, Leo and Carolyn W. Koestler of Vicksburg; four brothers, Mike Koestler (Diane) of Trophy Club, Texas, Pat Koestler (MiMi) of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Leo Koestler III of Vicksburg and Chris Koestler (Ashley) of Cleveland, Tenn.; his maternal grandmother, Lena Norene Weaver of Vicksburg; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Reggie and Dewell Crawford of Vicksburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James B. Weaver; his paternal grandparents, Leo and Mae Koestler; and a nephew, Zachary Koestler.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Riles Funeral Home Chapel with Donnie Cain, Eric Welch and Reggie Crawford officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Thursday until the service.

Pallbearers will be Steve Bounds Jr., John Kellum, Gerald Downs, Bert Bell, Tommy Gray, Shane Kemp and Sam Haas.

Memorials may be made to the Jackson Medical Mall Cancer Center, P.O. Box 11508, Jackson, MS 39283.