James M. Ostrander

James Merle Ostrander, 76, passed away Monday, September 25, 2023. James was born on January 23, 1947, in Leon, Iowa. He was the second of three children born to James Albert and Mary Arrah Wanna (Tuller) Ostrander.

James (lovingly known as Bubs or Pop) was a loving father to three children: Jeff, Julie, and Joel. He worked hard to raise and care for them. James had a passion for his family and spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. He enjoyed hunting and had an impressive gun collection. In his free time, he enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour books. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He had a knack for making everyone around him laugh and feel special.

James married Shirley Jean (Sinclair) Ostrander on July 17, 1993, and they shared over 30 happy years together.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Jean; parents, James and Mary Ostrander; sister, Elizabeth (Ostrander) Wright; son, Rick Ervin; and grandson, Shawn Chaplin.

Left to celebrate his memory are his children, Jeff (Peggy) Ostrander, Julie Ostrander, Joel (Shelby) Ostrander, Sherry May (Timothy Dippold), Scott (Paula) Ervin, Angie Ervin; grandchildren, Ashlie Cleghorn, Amber Cleghorn, Isaac (Breanna) Ostrander, Jayce Finnell, Payton Jones, Grace Ostrander, Allyson (Michael) Davidson, Anna Ervin, Abby Ervin, Marley (Ryan) Taube, David Chaplin, Jacob Ervin, Lucas Ervin; great grandchildren, Alyssa Weinstock, Emerald Cleghorn, Layton Ostrander, Raelyn Davidson; brother, Vern (Peggy) Ostrander; brother-in-law, Ed Wright; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will also be held Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. There will be a private, family only, interment at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Chris Kyle Frog Foundation

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