James Garrit "Chief" Ostrander

1930 - 2023

James Garrit Ostrander "Chief", 92, formerly of Lanesborough, passed away May 2, 2023 at Springside Nursing Home.

Born in Pittsfield on May 28, 1930 he was the son of Frank and Gertrude Brockway Ostrander. He was educated in Pittsfield Schools.

A Navy Veteran, Jim enlisted in 1949 when he was 19 and served on the USS Coral Sea during the Korean War. After serving 4 years, Jim joined the US Naval Reserve with his brother Bill. During this time, he became a member of the Navy Seabee, training new recruits how to drive tanks, trucks and tractors. Jim also earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer and was the licensing officer for the New England areas. After serving 30 years he retired with an Honorable Discharge.

Jim was proud of his military service wearing different Korean War Veteran caps and enjoyed being called Chief. While eating at the Friendly Restaurant with his cap on, a kind gentleman bought his lunch and thanked him for his service. In 2018 at the age of 88, Jim was Grand Marshal of the Lanesborough Memorial Parade, proudly wearing his Navy uniform and it still fit. Jim was also a member of the Interstatesmen Drum and Bugle Corps. Jim was a generous man when a neighbor's RV had a tree fall on it at night, planning on leaving the next morning on vacation, Jim loaned his brand new RV to them.

He was a machinist for many years at Beloit/E.D. Jones. He also drove the Lanesborough Senior Van for BRTA.

He is survived by his four daughters, Judy Beech of Lady Lake, FL, Linda LaCasse and husband Gary of Lanesborough, Joyce Tooley and husband Jack of Hartland, ME and Janet Flenner and husband James of Reno, NV. Eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Gertrude Fiegel and husband Ralph of Lenox, and Winifred Sagendorf of Governeur, NY.

He was predeceased by his brother in-law, Wayne Sagendorf; son in-law, Wayne Beech; siblings, Flora Connors, Robert, Frank, William, Henry and Elizabeth "Bette" Ostrander. As well as his three wives, Azoa Croshier Ostrander, Margaret Gluza Ostrander, and Clara Barber Ostrander.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral home services will be held, TUESDAY, May 9, 2023 at 11 a.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield. Burial with military honors will follow at Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours will be held, MONDAY, May 8, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice and mailed to the funeral home.