James E. Osterman

1922 - 2015

December 18, 1922 - November 14, 2015 Jim Osterman of Thousand Oaks died on November 14th at the age of 92. He was a second generation native Californian, being born in Santa Ana and growing up in the small rural community of El Toro. His parents, George and Lois Osterman, ran the general store. The family which included his two brothers, George and Joe, grew up living in the back of the store. His grammar school years were spent in the two-room schoolhouse in El Toro. He graduated from Tustin High School in 1940. Jim volunteered for the Army in March 1941. His stay in the army was extended by World War II until October 1945. He was a sergeant in the Infantry and always said he was very lucky to have never seen combat. Most of his overseas experience was spent on Attu, which is part of the Aleutian Island chain in Alaska. Through the GI Bill he attended Santa Ana Junior College, where he was student body president, and Woodbury College. He earned his license as a CPA. Jim met his wife, Reba, at Woodbury and they were married May 29, 1949. Most of his career was as a corporate officer at Zero Corporation in Burbank. He was active in the Lions Club, where he served a stint as president, Burbank Chamber of Commerce, serving as president in 1971, and with his church. He was a member of Oakmont Country Club in Glendale where he enjoyed many rounds of golf. Jim enjoyed being part of the Saddleback Historical Society where he was able to share his many memories of growing up in El Toro. Jim and Reba moved from their long-time home in La Canada to University Village in Thousand Oaks in 2008. UVTO allowed them to be close to family and their activities. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Reba in December 2014 and his daughters, Cheryl and Sandy. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Mike Kelly; grandchildren, Erin, Megan and Scott and seven great-grandchildren. Also, surviving him is his brother-in-law, Lonnie Mason and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service honoring this beloved man is being held on November 28 at 11:00 a.m.; Ascension Lutheran Church, 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.