Jewel Jean Kastrantas

Jewel Jean Kastrantas, a cherished and deeply loved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on February 25, 2024, in Biloxi, Mississippi, at the age of 66. Born in October, 1957, at Ramstein-Landstahl Air Base, Germany, Jewel's life was a journey of love, dedication, and joy that touched many.

Jewel's adventure began overseas, but her heart found its home in Biloxi, Mississippi, after a series of moves that illustrated both her adventurous spirit and deep commitment to family. Alongside her beloved husband Gus, she navigated life's twists and turns with grace, moving from Boston to Chicago, where they welcomed their two sons, James and Michael. Despite the allure of these cities, Jewel and Gus recognized that Biloxi was where their family truly belonged.

In Biloxi, Jewel dedicated herself to her family and an impactful career in ELL within the Biloxi Public School System. Her passion for education and helping others shone through her work, leaving a lasting legacy on the community and countless individuals she supported. She achieved a Master of Arts in Education from Dominican University and was ELL endorsed by The University of Southern Mississippi.

Retirement allowed Jewel to immerse herself fully in the joys of life. She cherished moments spent with her husband camping, engaging in spirited card games with her sisters and brothers-in-law, and delighting in the company of her great-nieces and nephews. Jewel's love for animals, crafting, and her enthusiasm for fantasy and science fiction themes were well-known among her loved ones. These interests, combined with her unwavering love for her family, filled her days with happiness and fulfillment.

Jewel was preceded in death by her brother, David Kolb; her parents, John Kolb and Margaret Moran Kolb; and by her father-in-law, James Kastrantas.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gus Kastrantas, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished moments; sons, James G. and Michael Kastrantas (wife Lucy); mother-in-law, Betty Kastrantas; brother-in-law, Andy Kastrantas; nephew, James A. Kastrantas (wife Miranda); niece, Demi Kastrantas, niece Valerie Kastrantas; and their mother, Anna Krassas. She is remembered by her siblings, Patti Wiley (husband Lowell), Danny Kolb, Kathy Mitchell (late husband James), Julie Tiblier (husband Jerry), Janet Albritton (husband Doug), and Donald Kolb, along with their families, which include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to MD Anderson Cancer Center. Your contributions can be made at https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate.html, or use the link below the obituary. 

We invite friends and family to join us in honoring the precious life of Jewel Jean Kastrantas on March 4, 2024, at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Rd, Biloxi, MS. Friends and family are invited to a visitation starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a time to gather and share memories before the Celebration of Jewel's Life at 5:30 p.m. Her legacy of love, kindness, and spirited generosity will forever sparkle in the lives of those who had the pleasure, the gift, and the chance to meet her.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi served the family. Please visit www.RiemannFamily.com to share a memory, condolence or photo