The St. Louis Jr. Blues join the rest of the St. Louis hockey community in mourning the passing of Mr. James Jost, Sr. Mr. Jost has been a staple in the St. Louis hockey community for over 40 years. Mr. Jost's impact in the hockey community was made evident by his induction into the inaugural class of 2008 in the St. Louis Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame.
According to his biography in the Hall of Fame:
James Jost, Sr.'s career in St. Louis Amateur Hockey began in 1972 by sponsoring the Affton house team. In 1975, he took over the CBC hockey program as president and chief financial benefactor. In 1978, Jim reached out through partnering, to recover a struggling Immerfrost Ice Rink to keep ice available. In 1980, Jim became an ownership partner of the Brentwood Blazers. As this league began to condense, Jim continued his financial support as owner of the Affton Americans in 1984 and ultimately off the St. Junior Blues in 1987. He then became very instrumental in the Junior Blues continuing efforts.
As St. Louis Hockey has grown, Jim has continued to support the various youth programs that compete at national and international levels, such as Team Quebec, Prospects, St. Louis Storm, etc. He does so under the premise that the St. Louis hockey player comes first and should be given a fair shot at moving to the next level.
Through the years, Jim has supported and proudly watched his seven sons and seven grandsons play at the amateur, high school, junior, and college ranks. Jim would be the first to admit that all of this would not be possible without the loving support of his wife Virginia. Ginny has watched so many games at Affton that she still has her own little spot at the top of the bleachers. "On behalf of the entire Jost family, it is truly an honor to have our father and grandfather, James Jost Sr., AFSC, inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame's Inaugural class."
Current Jr. Blues Head Coach, Chris Flaugher said, "Mr. Jost has had a huge impact on countless players. As a player with this team and as an assistant coach under his ownership, he spared no expense for the benefit of our team and St. Louis hockey. His goal was always to provide an avenue for St. Louis hockey players to achieve great things."
Mr. Jost is survived by his wife, Virginia. Loving father of Jim (Sandy), Tim (Judy), Tom, John (Lauri), Jackie LaVigne (Paul), Jerry (Claire), Matt (Carrie), Mike (Kelly); dear grandpa of Jim (Diana), Tony, Jenna, Jeff, Tim, Katie, John, Kelsey, Mary Claire, Grace, Caroline, Danny, Margaret, Mary Katherine, Anna, Virginia, Tommy, Mimi, Frannie, Matthew, Michael, Gretchen, Mason, Mary Jane, George, Miles and Sally; great-grandpa of Mallory; dear brother of William (Pat) Jost and the late Frank Jost; our dear uncle, cousin, and friend. Mr. Jost was born in 1938 and attended St. Stephen Protomartyr and graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in 1955. He was the owner and president of Southside Machine Works since 1969. Jim and Ginny were never known to miss a game of their many children and grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held at CBC High School on Wednesday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be at CBC Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, pleas make donations to the James & Virginia Jost CBC Scholarship Fund.