Jimmy Eldred Quast

September 24, 1945 - March 28, 2025 Hereby, giving recognition for a gifted person of many accomplishments during a life well lived; family and friends have lost an exceptional person whose absence will always be felt. Graduating in 1967 from NC State University in Raleigh, NC, Jimmy began his teaching career in the state of Virginia, at Highland Springs Vocational College where he prepared students to become licensed electricians. Already a master of many mechanical, woodworking and electrical applications, in his off-time, Jimmy began building the first of his full-size sailing vessels in the backyard of his home. Through the years, his skills also would see him building a home for he and his wife, Cynthia on a tropical island called St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The second full-size sailing vessel he built was named ODYSSEY and would become his home and passport to beautiful places and adventures, all shared by his wife and first mate. In one of his most recent professional accomplishments, Jimmy would become certified to provide therapeutic hypnosis sessions for persons with a variety of health and wellness needs. He was certified through the American Institute of Hypnotherapy as well as the National Guild of Hypnotists. A prevailing love of all things about ships and sailing was a guiding star in Jimmy’s life. Beginning at age 8, as a young boy with an extensive hobby of building models of all kinds, he would later go on to build very detailed, scale models of several very famous ships. He built the Cutty Sark model during his college years at NC State. It is probable, the model that he was most proud of, was of the USS Constitution. He received top honors for this model in 2011. The award, presented by the Nautical Research Guild in San Francisco, California followed eight years of intensive effort by Jimmy to create an accurate and beautiful scale model by following the original plans used to build the actual US Navy sailing ship. Jimmy carried himself with humility and thoughtful grace throughout life. He would always choose to believe the best about others. He did not over speak his great gifts. With his passing, there is an immeasurable loss.