John A. Castin

 John (Jack) Arnold Castin, age 85, of Little Rock, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024.

He was born on January 14,1939 in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, to the late Arnold Castin and Eula (Frost) Castin. 

Jack grew up in Okmulgee, Oklahoma with his younger brother, Gene Russell Castin. During his junior high and high school years he was a natural leader. Upon graduation he had earned more athletic letters than anyone in the history of the high school. He was also in the glee club, played the piano, and was a fair artist. During summer recesses he worked as an apprentice glass cutter with his father. In spite of his talents, he was never one to boast of his accomplishments. One of his most cherished honors was to be awarded a football scholarship to play for the University of Notre Dame. This was a big deal for everyone in the small town of Okmulgee!

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Notre Dame, he joined the Navy and served in the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged in 1966 as an LTJG. While at Notre Dame, he met the love of his life, Patricia (Debra) Castin. They were originally pen pals, Patricia being from England, and they corresponded for three years before finally meeting in Washington, DC. They married in 1966.

He went on to the University of Oklahoma, earning a master’s degree in city planning. Upon graduating, he worked for a firm in Columbia, South Carolina. While there, they welcomed their son, Christian. Then Jack received an opportunity to work in Little Rock and relocated the family in 1972. His daughter, Noelle, was born shortly thereafter. He spent the rest of his career in Little Rock, helping to plan and develop the expansion of many small towns across the state, including west Little Rock and Chenal. He also enjoyed creating golf course feasibility studies for a number of municipalities across the southeastern United States.

Jack was an avid golfer. Many a weekend was spent on the golf course. Making a hole in one was a special highlight! In addition, he and his wife enjoyed traveling all around the world. They took many cruises, enjoying amazing food and culture along the way.

He was hard working and a dedicated family man. He received the greatest honor of being the best husband, father and grandpa by his loving family. If you ask any of his family and friends, they’ll tell you that Jack was the nicest man - so easy going and had a tremendous sense of humor. Debra is constantly saying that “he didn’t have a mean bone in his body”.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Debra); his son, Christian Castin (Amy) and their beautiful children, Mary Katherine and Patrick; and his daughter, Noelle Castin (Mark Sponaugle). He also leaves behind his brother, Gene Castin (Sheila).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to First Tee of Central Arkansas, www.firstteecentralarkansas.org. 

Visitation will be held October 2, 2024 from 6:00-7:00pm and October 3, 2024 from 11:15am-12:00pm at Smith Family Funeral Home of Little Rock. The funeral service will take place October 3, 2024, 3:30pm at Christ the King Church of Little Rock, 4000 N. Rodney Parham Road.