Get a 12" jumper wire and have it ready the next time. When it happens, remove the relay and jumper from the red terminal block (12v) to pin 87 of the relay socket. The starter should operate. I would use a small screwdriver stuck in pin 87 as a contact to keep from damaging the socket. No starter = bad wire from relay to starter.

 

have you tried the old tilt the steering wheel up or down trick

 

Steering wheel tilt? What, just tilt the steering wheel up and dowm as I try to start it?

 

yep. sometimes the wiring or the ignition switch linkage is damaged or out of adjustment inside the column and that makes a difference.