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James Strait Obituary

JAMES MICHAEL STRAIT AUG 31, 1977 - SEP 21, 2010 Jimmy passed away unexpectedly at the age of 33 on Sept. 21, 2010. He was born to Robert Strait and Marilyn Ontko on Aug. 31, 1977 in Modesto, CA. To everyone that knew Jimmy, friends and family are missing his laughter, his sense of humor, and the way he touched everyone's heart. Jimmy enjoyed many sports, such as deer hunting with his dad, fishing with his Uncle John, football with his mom, basketball and baseball with his grandma. Jimmy joined the Nevada Air Guard in 1996. During his service to his country he served in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, but the most memorable was the time he served in Honduras, when he and his squadron were able to establish electricity and running water for the orphanage. Jimmy is survived by his parents, Robert (Rosemary) Strait, Marilyn (Matthew) Ontko; grandmother, Marie Stracener; brother, Joe (Elysia) Ontko; sister, Tara Ontko; uncle, John Strait; aunts, Linda Morgan, Frankie Bates; and cousins, Tammy Hott, Michael Strait, Michael (Janet) Goodnight and Aaron, Brandon and Michelle. Jimmy has been blessed with so many more relatives and countless friends. Jimmy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bud Stracener, Ray and Pearle Brown. There will be a viewing on Monday, Sept. 27th from 5-8pm at Franklin & Downs, 1050 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA. Services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 28th at 1:00pm at Grace Community Christian Church, 3754 E. Service Rd. in Ceres, CA. Celebration of life immediately following the service at his cousins, Michael and Janet Goodnight's home in Turlock. Driving directions will be given following the service. www.modbee.com/obituaries

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Published by Modesto Bee from Sep. 25 to Sep. 26, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Alesia M Collier

September 22, 2024

Missing you, your sense of humor, the laughs we shared, and your smile. Memories of the good times will stay close to heart.

Marilyn and Matt Ontko

September 21, 2024

You are my son and always will be
Still hard to think that I can see
All the accomplishments you could have achieved
And now its just a dream I used to believe.
You are my son and always will be
Still painful to know how it should be.
Love you always, Mom and Matt

Chermaine C Bernal

September 19, 2024

Jim we miss you so much!friends forever

Judy

September 3, 2023

Belated Happy Birthday Jimmy. I love you and miss you.

Chermaine

September 2, 2023

Happy late bday in heaven jimmy, ,miss you bunches

Rose Strait

August 31, 2023

Robert Strait

August 31, 2023

Happy Birthday Jimmy, miss you much. Love you.

Marilyn Ontko

September 21, 2022

Hi Jim. It's been 12 years now. We still miss you and think of you every day. Love you, mom and Matt.

Chermaine Bernal

September 19, 2019

Sure miss you buddy..

February 16, 2019

Thinking of you...

Proud Father & Son, USAF Graduation Ceremony

Robert Strait

January 13, 2019

Judith Brown

November 10, 2012

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. I know that you are marching with your Grandpa Ray and enjoying each others company. Love and miss you. Grandma.

Sherri

November 8, 2012

I still think about you and will continue to say hi to you everyday until the day comes when I can give you a big hug. You are not forgotten.

September 21, 2012

Jill Shriver

September 2, 2012

I still miss you everyday! Love ya <3

Marcie Dyke

October 23, 2011

Its been really hard not to see u or hear your voice when my husband (Larry Dyke)passed away u told me that larry said please watch over marcie i miss u so much go detroit Lyons i will be rooting 4 u for the rest of my life I hope that u and larry r hanging out,because i knew how much u two loved each other god bless you Jimmy

alesia collier

September 22, 2011

jimmy,
this past year has gone by so quickly. i miss the random phone calls i'd get from you. the silly fire marshall bill or jim carrey quotes you'd throw out always made me laugh. you were a great friend to me and to everyone you opened yourself to. i miss you. you remain and always will be in my thoughts.

marilyn ontko

September 21, 2011

Jimmy, it's been my first year without you and I still miss you and love you as much as ever. I have had many firsts this year. I have had my first Thanksgiving without hearing your voice, my first Christmas,New Years, even my birthday. The worst was Mother's day and your birthday. I thought about making Fried chicken, (your favorite) today but it's still too hot-Matt thought I was crazy! I guess we will all go through many firsts, but I hope for me, Matt and Joe and all of your friends and the rest of our extended family, that it will be more positive. We all miss you and think of you every day. I hope your first year away has been full of adventure the way you would like it to be. Jimmmy, you will always be the biggest part of my heart and I will always be looking around the corner for you with that great smile, and hearing that "Hi Mom" coming from your voice. Save me a place-we will be with each other again. Until then, keep being the 12th man on the field for your Detroit Loins-I always knew that they needed you! Love you always my son, Mom.

chermaine bernal

September 18, 2011

just miss you guy ts been almost a year in 3 days,love you:)&miss you,im still crazy as ever&having fun mimicking your funny personality in my own lil way:)...love you&miss you laways will..peace my brother

Tim Barney

October 31, 2010

Jimmy I just found this news today when I attempted to find my friend I hadn’t spoken with in long while. I have so many memories I don’t know where to start. I figured out we met in Sparks NV about 27 years ago. I am so sad I can’t hear that familiar voice again on the other end of the phone line. I’ve missed you since you moved back to Modesto; I wish we didn’t lose contact like we did. I Love you my friend, I’ll see you on the other side.
Your Friend, Tim Barney

Sherry Barney

October 31, 2010

I can't believe you are gone Jimmy, you and Tim grew up together and spent many hours at our house having fun and getting into mischief! I will always remember your laughter. You were like a second son to me, I am so sad to hear of your passing. My condolenses to your Mom and Dad, I am so sorry. May God Bless you.

Margo Broyles

October 21, 2010

Matt, Marilyn and the rest of the family:
I had just met Jim last year but I was so impressed with him. I know you all were proud of him too. He will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him, I am sure. So sorry for your loss.

October 21, 2010

man i miss u brother!your an amazing person,your spirit lives on through us all...love you jim,i still cant believe this happened to you...love u jim..cherminater

Michael, Janet & Kellie Goodnight

October 17, 2010

Cousin Jimmy, It's so hard to believe that you're not around anymore. As we watch Sunday football we are reminded of you and the great times we had.We had so much fun with you, playing games, badmitton, bocce ball, Wii and especially "gotcha last". Our last trip to Reno together was a blast. Kellie misses you very much....she loved you like a brother. You were so kind, sweet and always willing to help. We wanted to have so many more fun times with you and it hurts so much that this has been cut short. We love you so much and you'll always be in our thoughts and our hearts.
Love, Cousins Michael, Janet and Kellie.

Marilyn Ontko

October 4, 2010

Jimmy, I still am having a hard time saying good bye to you. Matt and I have been passing the days by thinking of all the ways you have filled our hearts. Joe and Tara miss you so. Please watch over them as you did in life. I know that many people miss you and loved you. I know that you will always be in our lives through your ever giving and loving heart and soul. You are and always will be my son. Love Mom.

Earl Strait

October 3, 2010

We send our condolences. Earl and Pam Strait.

October 2, 2010

Jim & Valerie Mayo

October 1, 2010

Bob & Rosmary,

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. We are sadden of the sudden loss with Jimmy. Jimmy will be deeply missed.
We loved him like one of our own. He will be forever in our thoughts/hearts and prayers. Love always, Jim and Valerie Mayo

Jim Lackey

September 29, 2010

Bob,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your sons passing. Troy got word to me but too late to attend the service. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jim Lackey

Marcie Dyke

September 29, 2010

Sep 29,2010 I loved Jimmy so much he was like family to me and my husband (Larry Dyke)that passed away on May28,2010. Jimmy would come over here when he got off work and sit for hours and talk 2 my husband for hours and eat dinner with us last year i had him go to walmart with larry and i to pick out this computer so i know that it would be good. On one sat. he came over and it took him about 3 hours,but he never gave up. He took a break and ate dinner with us. He ate dinner with us alot and boy could he eat and dessert.Jimmy and i had plans this week to go to Pinecrest he has never been there,but i will go for the both of us and he will be there in spirit. I Love You Jimmy. Jimmy told me that larry knew that he was dying,but didnt want 2 worry me Larry told two people to watch over me and Jimmy was always calling and texing me he was so excited about going to reno to visit his stepson he came over that fri to tell me he would be out of town and also told me that he had deer tags and he was going deer hunting with his family so glad that he got 2 do that. Well know Jimmy is in Heaven with Larry so we all have to be strong Jimmy will be with me for the rest of my life. TO KNOW JIMMY WAS TO LOVE HIM I LOVE YOU JIMMY I FEEL YOUR SPIRIT WHILE IM ON THE COMPUTER. TAKE CARE STRAIT FAMILY MARCIE&Larry Dyke(in spirit) Ps Jimmy and i always argued about football he was a lyons fan and i was a cowboys fan they always played on thanksgiving. back and forth on the phone or he was at the house watching the games with larry and I.

Katie Brown

September 29, 2010

Marilyn, It's always been different having nephews and nieces that were so much older than me. One of the things that meant was that I never got to spend much time with them. All that matters much more when they are gone and you realize you won't get that chance. I'm sorry I could not make it out to the service. I will miss Jimmy and I wish I could have seen him more. If you need anything you know where I am. Miss you Jimmy! Love you Sis!

Joyce Frazier

September 28, 2010

Jimmy and family,
So sorry! Sis Kathy and I both got hit with a "bug" and at last minute had to unfortunately not attend.
OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU--ALL OF YOU--100% OF THIS DAY!!
Love from Kathy & Joyce & Rhoda Carpo

Marshall Rownd

September 28, 2010

James,

I am completely shocked at your sudden passing. I was looking forward to going to more football games together & being friends after your parting from Fire2wire. Thoughts & Prayers go out to your Family & Friends. You are greatly missed.

Your co-worker & friend,
Marshall Rownd

Sarah Wilson

September 28, 2010

Jimmy you were always so funny and goofy we will never forget you. I had imagined that you and my brother Brian would be playing Madden Football when you guys were old and wrinkled. Thanks for all the great memories. You will be dearly missed. We love you Jimbo!

Justine Pitts

September 28, 2010

Jimmy, thank you for the great memories and good times. You filled life with love, smiles, and tears of laughter.

elvia,mikey,justine,alecia,danny,me,mikey getting ready for some party?in 97?hmmm?

chermaine bernal

September 28, 2010

me,dan,alecia&jim@cesars club in sf circa 97

chermaine bernal

September 28, 2010

Marissa Cupples

September 27, 2010

"Ill miss you Jimmy you were my moms best friend. My heart goes out to your family. I know your watching over us from above"

Brian Porter

September 27, 2010

jim u were more than a brother 2 me and words cant express what u meant 2 me.We were supposed 2 be old men laughing at how wrinkled and ugly we got.Ill c u n my dreams and in heaven till then luv u forever slim.

Randolph and Michelle Duczkowski

September 27, 2010

My heart goes out to Jimmy's family and friends. God Bless you all.

Noel Ramirez

September 27, 2010

Bob, My Sincere condolences to you and your family.

Troy Weis

September 27, 2010

Bob-O... Brother! soo sorry for your loss. Although I never met Jimmy, I felt I knew him from all our talks about Family. You were truley blessed to have such a kind loving Son. Not fair to be cut short like this. He is in Gods arms now.

Dan Ortiz

September 27, 2010

I miss the times when we would just hang out, play records or play wal-mart parking lot football. I watched a video the other day of you and Monica in a pillow fight and it made me laugh. I still have a copy of the mix-tape I made you when went off to bootcamp. I wonder if it still plays? You were a great friend that will be remembered forever.

Kevin Baskin

September 27, 2010

Bob, I am sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Monica Gunderson

September 27, 2010

Jimmy, you always used to crack me up with all of your funny antics, especially your impressions Jim Carrey. You, Mike, Chermaine, Dan and Bryan were the first friends I had after moving to Modesto. Thank you for all the good times.... And thank you Alesia for introducing to me to such an awesome person.

the crew before freedom 1999

chermaine bernal

September 27, 2010

chermaine bernal

September 27, 2010

jimmy you are one very special soul,i remember going to your house&razor trying to bite me!lol...i first met you@argus high school,along with danny.g,and bryan porter...and we stayed friends ever since,if it was not for you i wouldnt have mikey&monica in my life...im gonna miss your impressions of fire marshall bill&jim carrey of course!i just cant believe your gone...last time i seen you it was@justines house when i made my special pasta shrimp dish for you...im glad that i got to do that for you old friend...your smile,comedic relief will be missed forever....

Cindy (Daniel) Morales

September 27, 2010

Jimmy: I knew you mostly from pictures and from stories your grandma (my Aunt Marie) told. You were her pride and joy. Your momma and daddys too.You were taken much too early and no one knows just why, but God had a plan for you..I pray for the lords peace and comfort for your family in knowing that you are standing with Jesus job well done...

September 26, 2010

Beth McBride

September 26, 2010

My heart reaches out to you're family. I didn't know Jimmy as a person. Just threw his sister. Who is the best friend anyone could ever ask for. He treated her with the best of respect. I know you're hearts are hurting and as always when my sister friend Rose hurts I feel her pain. God has bigger plans for Jimmy just thing of HIM as he is a chosen one. He is now an Angel watching over you all. He will never want or hurt again. God Bless You All.

Uncle John and Kathy Strait

September 26, 2010

OUR BELOVED JIMMY,

We miss your smile, and the sparkle in your eyes...your humor and laughter from your heart. The great man you were while here will never fade from us.

WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS & FOREVER!

Ken Daniel

September 26, 2010

Bob and Marilyn;
Tho' I didn't know Jimmy except by sight, I feel your loss. Take care of each other and Marie, I know she feels a great loss also, and will need your support.
Love always, Uncle Kenny

Laura Wyman

September 25, 2010

Although we haven't seen Jimmy for many years he was a part of our lives and our family still talk about the funny things he did. He was a very sweet person and had a great since of humor. We will always cherish those baseball park memories. He will be missed by the Wyman family. Our prayers are with his family.

September 25, 2010

Daniel Hall

September 25, 2010

You will be missed. Thanks for all the good times.

Sharon Amos

September 25, 2010

Bob, Rosemary and aunt Marie and all my family,
I was so sad to hear this news. I will forever remember Jimmy when I see the Pearson Pool truck doing it's rounds on my delivery route. It was here that I started to get to know him and was sad when he no longer worked with the company. His smile and wave I will always remember. Sharon Amos

Alesia Collier

September 25, 2010

Jimmy always lived his life with both hands on the wheel. He steered his own course and helped his friends along the way. His laughter, love and friendship will be missed.

Judith Brown

September 25, 2010

Marilyn & Matt, Bob & Rosemary, I too feel your loss. My heart and prayers are with you at this time. Although I did not get to see Jimmy as often as I would like, he was always in my heart and prayers. He was Ray's and my 1st grandson. Love to all.

Vicky Cooper

September 25, 2010

So sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. I remember him from the ball park days. He came to my house a few times and we gave him rides home. He was always so sweet and funny. He had the best humor and did a great Jim Carey Fireman Bob impression. Sending my prayers to his family at this sad time.Hold your special memories close to your heart, I hope they bring some comfort to you at this difficult time. Vicky Malone Cooper

Joyce Frazier

September 25, 2010

Robert, Marie, and all: MY THOUGHTS AND LOVE ARE WITH YOU! JIMMY WAS A SPECIAL MAN; I KNOW THAT FOR SURE. WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS WHAT YOU ARE ENDURING. JIMMY'S LOVE WILL NEVER FADE. LOVE FROM KATHY STRAIT'S SISTER.

Cindy Curci

September 25, 2010

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. I send love and prayers to all.

cyn day

September 25, 2010

Rose I am so sorry for your loss. I will light a candle for your family today and pray for you all to find some comfort, and for James' soul to be at peace with the Lord.

September 25, 2010

September 25, 2010

Thinking of you, Every Moment...

For every moment you made me laugh
For every moment you made me cry
I still find myself asking God Why?
Why take you, You're so young
With so much more you planned to do
Then my heart becomes silent
For a moment or two...
And I find myself Thanking God
For each and every moment
I had with you.

I Love You Jimmy
Now,Forever,& In All Ways

? For you Jimmy, Because You made
every day special in a way that
only You could ! ?

Jimmy

Robert & Rosemary Strait

September 25, 2010

James Micheal Strait (Jimmy)
August 31,1977-September 21,2010


~ The Broken Chain ~
We little knew that morning,
that God was calling your name.
In Life we loved you dearly,
In Death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone;
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide;
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our Family Chain is broken
And nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us home,
One by One...
The Chain Will Link Again.

~ Robert & Rosemary Strait ~

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