James Bernard Gast, former vice president of The Janitors Supply Co. Inc, Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away October 20, 2019. He was 81 years old.

Jim joined his parents, Paul and Mary Jayne, in the family business at the age of 19 and worked for 62 years in our industry and to many he was a mentor, business partner, product innovator and a friend.

In 1982, along with his brother Ken, they founded Wayne Concept Manufacturing, a full line chemical manufacturing company. Jim had an active roll in product development until he passed away.

Jim was an avid Indiana University sports fan and thoroughly enjoyed woodworking. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sandra “Sam” Gast, and his brother Ken (Ellen) Gast.

Janitors Supply Co. Inc, was founded in 1954 in Erie, Pennsylvania, according to the company website. The company is marketed in Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, Maryland, western New York and northern West Virginia.