St. Ann, Missouri
Otten, James Albert (Jim), born March 8, 1948 to the late Albert and Catherine Otten, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2017. Beloved father of Jamie (Abbie) Otten; dearest grandfather of Olivia Otten; dear brother of Rita (Bill) Friedhoff, Bill (Marlene) Otten, MIke (Linda) Otten and the late Julie Beckring-Efken; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Mr. Otten was a Veteran of the Vietnam War serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force and graduate of Southeast Missouri State University (Bachelors and Masters of Education) and the University of Missouri-Columbia (Education Specialist). He was a teacher, principal and devoted educator. He dedicated time to the Boy Scouts of America and was an avid golfer and baseball fan.
Memorial visitation Wednesday, Dec. 13th 4:00 PM until time of memorial service 7:00 PM at COLLIER'S Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd. (St. Ann). Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to Vietnam Veterans of America.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mr. Otten was my principal in high school. When I was going through a tough time he always had my back. I remember giving him a hug when I walked at graduation. He was always very kind and thoughtful.
Erin Williams
December 15, 2017 | Wright City, MO
To the Otten Family: Sorry to learn of your loss. I considered Jim a good friend while attending Corpus Christi grade school in Jennings, Missouri. We played some baseball and soccer together on CYC teams; and played together often as I also grew up on Octavia Avenue (the other side of the tracks). Jim was a great classmate and a good guy to just hang around with and just talk. He also attended Corpus Christi High School with my wife, Peg.
My prayers will be for all of you,...
John Bischof
December 14, 2017 | St. Louis, MO
My sincere condolences to Jamie, Abbie, and Olivia! I have known Jim since our freshman year at SEMO in 1970. Later, he became a member of my family and was a wonderful uncle to my girls. At SEMO Jim was a enthusiastic member of the Vet Corp and the TKE fraternity. I can remember one particular time when he was helping me with assignments in techniques of teaching speech. I was a speech path major and he was a public speaking major. He knew much more about teaching classroom speech than...
Susan Webb Hill
December 14, 2017 | Dexter, MO
Jim was always one of my favorite people from my past. I have great memories from college and, especially, the year that Jenni and I spent in Dexter in the late 70's. Jim, Laurie, and Jamie were our other family. I could always depend on Jim to be there for us when we needed a man or a man's advice!! Great memories! Rest in peace, Jim.
Brenda Johnson
December 13, 2017 | Washington, MO
My most sincere condolences to Jamie, Abbie, Olivia, Rita, Bill, Mike, and the rest of your family. I am Dorothy Jane (Dot) Otten Donnelly, first-cousin of your Grandfather/Father Albert. I'm the daughter of Bernard Joseph (Ben) Otten.
Dot Donnelly
December 13, 2017 | Chesterfield, MO
God Bless You Jim. RIP my friend. prayers to Jaime, Abby and Olivia.
Jan Clinton Martell
Jan Clinton Martell
December 13, 2017 | Foristell, MO
Jim will be missed. Jim was principal when my sons were in High School and became a friend during that time. After he left Wright City, we would see Jim at his various jobs with Harrahs. He always had a smile and would tell us about Olivia, who he dearly loved. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Karen Girondo
December 13, 2017 | Wright City, MO
Mr. Otten was one of the greatest men I've known. He was such a kind and caring person. He was a great principal for Wright City High school. I'll never forget him. "If you keep drinking that orange drink your hair will turn orange just like your brothers." Mr.Otten
Class of '97.
December 13, 2017 | Jefferson City, MO
Mr. Otten was an amazing principal - professional yet a friend and encourager to all students. He was definitely loved and respected. I served on the Student Council at Wright City High School and he was my staff Secret Pen Pal - each council member and staff exchanged gifts on birthdays, holidays, etc. and didn't find out who each other was until the end of the year. I still have my copy of How the Irish Saved Civilization that he gave me - it's even more special now. Rest In Peace, Mr....
Colene McEntee
December 12, 2017 | St. Peters, MO