Thanks to all who responded to my inquiry. Problem was the neutral safety switch as most of you suggested.
I'm glad I asked for help - You all saved me a day of R & R ing the starter button.
I never considered the neutral safety I think because the button has to be depressed into Neutral first....which led me to wonder why a neutral safety is needed
at all for this particular set-up.... until I realized I had been jumping the starter at the relay while grounding the neutral terminal to check it. Reminded me of the time
I started my sons 70 Barracuda in the driveway after he had done some wiring work --- went straight through the garage door !!!
Thanks again !!
Jeff Miklas