Otis, James J. (1918-2007)

OTIS, DONAHUE, HELIN, NELSON, HARSWICK, SAMPSON, EYMANN, WOLF

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 1/10/2010 at 22:47:24

James J. Otis
(January 12, 1918 - November 13, 2007)

FOREST CITY - James J. Otis, age 89 of Forest City, died Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

James Jefferson Otis was born on a farm near Forest City, Iowa on January 12, 1918, the son of Jesse and Margaret (Donahue) Otis. He began his education at the Otis Country School and graduated from Forest City High School, continuing on to become a Waldorf College graduate.

On June 27, 1944, he was united in marriage to Agnes Helin. The couple made their home on the farm west of Forest City their entire married lives. Jim was a member of St. James Catholic Church where he served on the board of trustees, sang in the church choir and was an usher for years.

Jim was a dedicated supporter of Forest City High School athletics, was a big "Cubs" fan and never missed cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved farming and never really retired but continued helping his son until failing health limited his time on the tractor. He enjoyed gardening and raising flowers.

Jim is survived by his wife, Agnes of Forest City and five children: Larry Otis of Forest City; Jeff Otis of Forest City; Karen Nelson (Daryl) of Algona,Iowa; Jane Harswick (Marty) of Urbandale, Iowa and Steve Otis of Midvale, Utah; seven grandchildren: Heather Harswick, Chad Harswick, Tamara Harswick, Jason Otis, Larissa Otis, Lisa Nelson and Anthony Otis and one great-granddaughter, Alexandra Harswick.

Also surviving are two sisters: Vivian Sampson of Forest City and Gloria Eymann of Olathe, Kansas and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Merle, Roy and Mervin and sister Laura Wolf.

He will be greatly missed by his family.

Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 10:30 AM at St. James Catholic Church in Forest City with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation will be Friday, November 16th from 5 to 7 PM at the funeral home and an hour prior to service at the church.

Copyright © 2007, Petersen Lund Funeral Home

Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen