Mr. James “Red” Castleman, age 75 of Vidalia, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. He was a Christian and an active member of the McGregor Presbyterian Church, where he taught the Adult Sunday School Class, and was currently serving as Chair of the Session “Elder”. He was a native of College Park, a 1955 Graduate of College Park High School, and a 1959 Graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry. Mr. Castleman started his career in 1959 with the Georgia Forestry Commission and worked in the Waycross, Telfair, Bulloch, Toombs, and Montgomery offices of the Forestry Commission and retired after thirty-two years. After his retirement in 1991, he founded Castleman Consulting, which he operated until his death. He was a member of the former Vidalia Jaycees and an avid supporter of the Vidalia Sports Boosters. He was Past President and long-time member of the Vidalia Lions Club; serving in numerous local and district capacities, including all the Vidalia Onion Festivals. He was an original cast member of the “Tales From the Altamaha”, where he starred in several roles. He was a proud member of the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Vidalia Indians, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta Braves. He cherished his love for the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or working.

Mr. Castleman is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Jackie Castleman; one son, Jim Castleman and wife Donna; one daughter, Julie Castleman Coleman and husband Jake; four grandchildren, Logan Riddle, Graye Castleman, Cameron Castleman, and Katie Coleman all of Vidalia; two sisters, Nell Mitchell and husband Robert of Monroe and Martha Segars and husband Richard of Fayetteville; and numerous other relatives and friends.  

The funeral service was held Saturday, April 27, 2013, in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home with Reverend David Blalock and Larry Brantley officiating. Burial followed in Lakeview Memorial Gardens.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Vidalia/Lyons AFG, P.O. Box 222, Vidalia GA 30475 or the McGregor Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 215, Mt. Vernon GA 30445.