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BORN
1950
DIED
2012
JAMES OTIS Obituary
March 14, 2012
Dr. James Lauren Otis, 61, passed away March 14, 2012. He was born November 12, 1950 in Hartford, CT.
James came to Lee County in 1991 from Dayton, Ohio and was a member of Safe Harbor Church. He enjoyed golf, boating, traveling, growing orchids and mostly spending time with his family. James also loved his golden retrievers, Scarlett, Rhett and Molly.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 17 years, Maggie; daughter, Laura Sparrow; son, Matthew Larlham; brother David Otis, grandchildren, Darian Sparrow and Marley Larlham; nephews, Greg and Brian Warren; and nieces, Amy, Jennifer and Dana.
A memorial service is to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to their College Fund for his granddaughters, Darian Leigh Sparrow and Marley Anne Larlham, in care of Fine Mark National Bank & Trust, 12681 Creekside Ln, Ft. Myers, FL 33919.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JAMES OTIS
Chad K Rose
October 11, 2024
Dr. Otis set my broken leg back in 1997. I Was 8 years old. I'm 35 and I've had a career in Football, weightlifting, wrestling. Dr. Otis gave me that gift.
Hilda Zimmerly
March 11, 2021
He was a wonderful surgeon for my husband.
Robert Long
July 21, 2019
Dr Otis saved my life I'm so sad to find this out God bless you Dr Otis and I'm praying for you sir thank you for everything in my life goes on because of you thank you for your sacrifice. Terrific surgeon always in my heart I love you Dr Otis thank you from the bottom of my heart you'll never be forgotten sir I love you
Ray Zimmerly
March 11, 2019
James was so well loved and always took time to listen to you and treat you. He is still being missed.
Joel Rush
April 23, 2012
Jim was a medical school classmate and a person I would call a friend and peer. I was extremely saddened to learn of his death.
Joel
Shara Nielsen
April 21, 2012
Our Prayers are with the Otis family. Dr. Otis was such a kind, caring professional and he so blessed my daughter.
April 21, 2012
We were saddened to learn the news of Jims passing.
My family could never thank him enough for his kindness, care, and concern for my grandson, Jared.
Our condolence to Maggie and family.
Be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bernie & Karen Smith
Jack, Deborah & Jared Conneway
Ray Zimmerly
April 17, 2012
We were so shocked to hear of the passing of Dr. Otis. He did all of my husband's surgeries and there was no one like him. We will miss him.
Ray & Hilda Zimmerly LaBelle, FL
Greg and Edna Archambault
April 16, 2012
We all were shocked to hear of the passing of Dr. Otis because he was such a great and caring Doctor. His nurses called him the "Gentle Giant". I found out why with all the shoulder and knee problems I had over the last 12 years. The surgeries turned out great and the rehabs were remarkable. He was kind and gentle with needles since he knew I didn't like them. Dr. Otis will be sorely missed by his family, his friends, his co-workers, and his patients. This world was made a better place by his presence. Now Heaven has him but his light will always shine for all of us left behind. God bless his family and RIP Dr. Otis.
Denise
April 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go to the Otis family and friends ~ He will be missed. (NH)
Joe Turek
April 12, 2012
I've known & admired Dr. Otis thur my 6 sugeries.
I considered him a caring friend. My condolences to his family and office staff.
God Bless, Joe & Caprice Turek
David Bodden
April 6, 2012
Thank you Dr. Otis for the work you did on my knee. Thank you to your family for sharing you with those in need. We, (your patients), are getting better because of your help. My most sincere condolences go out to your family and friends. I will never forget you telling me you were the original J-LO as you signed my knee moments before surgery, just to ease the pain. Thank you!
Grace Neureuther
April 6, 2012
I have been a patient of Dr Otis's for over 6 years. I will not trust another doctor to do the surgery he has suggesting I need. The surgery he did for me was remarkable. He will be truely missed by many. We became friends, in a way just from his concerns for my recovery. His staff and his personality are awesome combination. I will miss seeing him in his many coloreful ties. Every time I look at my right hand, I will remember the awesome surgery he did on my hand. I will miss him greatly. God Bless his family he loved so dearly. He spoke of them often. He loved them so very much. Each time I saw him with the sniffles, he would smile and tell me," I was playing with my grand daughter.." He would just smile. God is with you and your family. You will all be reunited again one day. God Bless his family. Grace Neureuther.
April 3, 2012
Jimmy was one of the best & so much fun. So many of us were so lucky to have him in our lives. RIP Cuz & God Bless the family.
Don Decker
April 2, 2012
Our prayers go to the Otis family. Dr. Otis will always be remembered. He gave me a new hip and encouraged me to still compete in the senior games. He will be greatly missed.
With our sympathy JoAnn and Don Decker
Michael Bobb
March 31, 2012
Dr Otis was the best thing that happened to me by accident....I shattered my collar bone and I was fortunate enough for him to be the one on call that night. I say fortunate because, as all who knew him, he was the most caring and kind Dr I have ever met. The only question I had for him the day I saw him was "when can I play golf again?" He smiled and said we are going to be good friends! Jimmy and I became friends that day and as I slowly healed he worried about me more than anyone else.
I had the great fortune of calling Jimmy my Dr, best friend and brother. I was closer to him than my own family and received more love and kindness from him than I have ever had from anyone. Jimmy was the only person I trusted with my very life.
Maggie, you and the rest of the family mean more to me than words can express! I will continue to keep you all in my prayers! I love you all!!!!!
Jimmy, hit em long & straight my friend and you have to make the tee time when I come to join you! I will forever love you brother!!!! My life will never be the same without the knowledge of knowing you are but a phone call away!
Joan Hutchinson
March 30, 2012
Jim was a kind, generous person and I feel very lucky to have known him. The last words he said to me were, "Noni I love very much" and I said the same back to him. He wl be in my prayers for ever!
Greg Warren
March 29, 2012
Jimmy was the biggest influence in my life!!! He has been my Uncle, Dad, Best friend for 46 years. This is so painful to accept for me, but like everyone tells me you'll see him in heaven. I hope to god that there is a heaven and if anyone deserves to be there it is this incredibly kind, Unconditional friend, .... Dad to me. As Jimmy always told me. "I sure do love you!!!!!"
amanda costoulas
March 28, 2012
Dr. Otis had a true compassion for his patients and human kind in general. He always seemed to care and put me at ease. He was a fine man and doctor and he will be missed.
Shirley Semmer
March 28, 2012
My heart goes out to the family. I met Dr. Otis quite literally by accident, as I am sure hundreds of us did. He fixed me and took away my pain. His gentle, caring and compassionate care after and throughout my rehab was, I am sure the reason for my full recovery. I will miss your wit and gentle wisdom.
andrea Gugliuzza
March 27, 2012
Thank you for always being so kind & patient to my mom! And of course for taking such wonderful care of her. I'll miss talking about your dog children, and always reminding you the importance of glucosamines & dental care for them too! :) God bless , RIP.
andrea G.
March 26, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ann Whitehead
March 26, 2012
Dr. Otitis was a wonderful physician. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
March 25, 2012
dr otis saved my shoulder and many other joints.i will miss him.chip
Stacy McClain
March 25, 2012
Dr. Otis was a great man and a great doctor. He will be missed. Prayers to his family!
frank sadera
March 25, 2012
A wonderful Man and Surgeon.
I will always be grateful.He returned
me to landscape painting
Tammy Bennett
March 24, 2012
Dr. Otis operated on both my and my brother's broken ankle's. Now I will treasure those metal plates forever! He was a great surgeon. Our heart's go out to his family and loved one's.
GIUSEPPINA RUSSO
March 24, 2012
IF IT WASNT FOR DR.OTIS AND HIS GREAT CARE...I WOULD BE DEVASTATED TODAY...I WAS HEART BROKEN WHEN I HEARD THIS TERRIBLE NEWS DR.OTIS WAS A DR. BUT ALSO BECAME A GREAT FRIEND...YOU WILL BE MISSED...
Ray&Carole Kimmel
March 23, 2012
I wanted to say how shocked we were to learn of Dr. Otis passing, He did surgery on Ray in 2009 on broken bone in leg from softball injury.. Excellent job. Ours deepest sympathy to his family, may God bless you at this time..
Linda Iskra
March 23, 2012
I was so excited this morning at the prospect of seeing Dr. Otis and showing him the progress I was making with my knee. Then shocked and saddened to hear of his untimely passing. He was my biggest cheerleader. Even though I hadn't been seeing him that long he made me feel important. It was never a very long stay, but he sat with you, showed you your xrays and explained everything and even cheered you on. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
nicholas sweeney
March 22, 2012
it was good to know dr otis and his wife he will be missed
Crystal Gross
March 22, 2012
Dr. Otis was one of the most caring and dedicated doctors I have ever had the pleasure to run into while I have lived in Fort Myers, even though the circumstances were not the best when we met. In the years following our meeting, he always met me with a smile and a handshake as we recalled our first meeting. He and Dr. Dupay were heroes to me and put me back together after a motor vehicle accident and they will both remain so in my heart forever. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences go out to his family and vast number of friends and colleagues, he is an angel now.
Crystal E. Gross
Roxanne Porter
March 22, 2012
It was always an enjoyable experience working with Dr. Otis. He cared about his patients and always wanted what was best for them. Dr. Otis had an infectious smile and an endless energy about him. Peace to him always, heartfelt condolences to his family
Gabriela Murphy
March 20, 2012
My deepest condolences go out to Dr Otis family... He is the reason I am able to walk , broke my knee twice last year within five months apart, I will never forget how he encouraged me and helped me through out my injury. I remember being scare and not knowing how to tell him that I had fallen again and needed surgery.He was so understanding and caring .Just saw him last December to give me the ok to go back to work and wished me good luck and I even said jokingly ,I hope I don't see you again at least not as a patient in the clinic... But outside in the world! He laughed and said defenatly!. I am deeply sadden by the news, I know I will forever remember him not only in my heart but also he left his outstanding masterpiece in my knee... We die but only the physical disapears....His essence,energy ... His SOUL will always be alive ! around us , and he will be watching from heaven not only his family but other orthopetic surgeons to make sure they are doing a good job!!! He died on my birthday, march 14 :*(. R.I.P. Dr James Otis DO ~
March 20, 2012
My husband,Charles, and I are very sorry to hear of Dr. Otis' untimely death. He treated my fractured wrist in 2009 and recently my shoulder problem in an expert and very satisfactory manner. We offer our prayers and condolences to his family. from Trudy(Gertrude) Hanley
Sharon Childers
March 20, 2012
I will miss Dr. Otis greatly. He took care of both myself and my husband. He was a very caring person. RIP and my sympathy to his family.
Erika Thiessen
March 20, 2012
Dr Otis was a great Dr and took such great care of my grandmothers hip and wrist. Prayers go to his family
Virginia Wallace
March 20, 2012
Dr. Otis is the reason I walk today. You couldn't not love this man, even if sometimes he was late to appointments. He loved his patients and knew each one. My heart breaks for his family. My prayers go out to them. They are loved because he is loved.
Ginny Wallace, No. Ft. Myers
DINA VOLPE
March 19, 2012
Dr. Otis was one of a kind...i had the pleasure of working with him at orthopedic associates where he was so loved by patients and staff. when i told him i was moving back to buffalo he said for the snow?.i said no..he said how much so do you want i'll get it for you!!! i'll never forget that....he was a wonderful man, doctor and friend!! may you rest in peace Doc!!!
Jason & Sherri Huff
March 19, 2012
Maggie, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this tragic time. It saddens our hearts knowing how much you both had been through over the last two years, just as you had begun to enjoy your new home. May God bless and be with you in these times.
Nancy Cowgill
March 19, 2012
My prayers are with the family of Dr. Otis. I was one of his patients and always enjoyed his personalty and sense of humor. He will be missed by our community
Sue Ferri
March 19, 2012
I can't say enough GREAT things about this man. While 18, in the hospital, fighting for my life...he held my hand, he consoled my parents..then he started fighting my fight with me! He didn't treat me as a patient, but like one of his kids. He celebrated right along with my family in all my goals reached and accomplishments made. He never used the word CAN'T with me! I forever will remember him, not as my Dr but one of my heros! He left a footprint on my heart forever!
Marya & Helen McNamara
March 19, 2012
Sorry to hear about his passing, he was a great person and doctor. He took care of my mother this last year.My prayers to his family
Sheri Wells
March 19, 2012
Maggie, sending prayers for you and your family. Our community has lost an outstanding surgeon and a wonderful man. God Bless.
Betty Powell
March 18, 2012
I was in his office the morning of the accident. There was already an air of grief hovering over the staff and so my prayers and condolence are with his family and his professional co-workers. May God give all of you comfort and strength in this tragic loss. Never forget, God is in control. Lean on Him.
Virginia Alverson
March 18, 2012
Rest in peace, Dr. Otis...I remember your afternoon rounds as if they were yesterday. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Nancy Welsch
March 18, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good doctor. He will be missed.
Pam McBride
March 18, 2012
Oh Jim, we're all so shocked and saddened by the loss of such a great man. You're already so greatly missed by all who knew and loved you. I have many memories I'll hold dear, and I am forever thankful for the warm welcome into your family and your home, and all you and Mags have done for me/been there for me over the years. So many wonderful memories starting from the very first time Laura "brought me home" to 1010. :) ... But still so many more memories to be made that we all wish you would be here for. Rest easy, now. All my love and sympathy to this wonderful family.
cynthia hart
March 18, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I had a lot of good times in the O.R. with Dr. Otis. He will be truly missed . God Bless .
Sharon VanHees
March 18, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of dear Doctor Otis: He did my knee surgery and to me he was a great person and surgeon:
He will be missed my me and his family and co-workers and his dear friends.He is now with our dear Lord,rest in peace.Amen
Joanne McDonnel
March 18, 2012
So sorry for your loss, Maggie. We loved Dr. Otis. I was a patient of his and I will miss him terribly.
The Goat Cheese Lady
Nick & Judy Walburn
March 18, 2012
Maggie and children, Nick & I send our prayers and thoughts to all of you. Jim will be missed by many.
Love, Judy Walburn
Audrey Gubaci
March 18, 2012
I am so very sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all in this time of sorrow and grief.
Audrey,Dana and Alex G. Love you LaLa.
Denise McMaster
March 18, 2012
I worked with Dr Otis in the OR @ LMH doing Trauma's when I worked afternoons. Even tho he hated ER call he was still a lot of fun to work with doing those trauma's! He will be greatly missed by patients and all he touched! God Bless you Big O!! My prayers are with all your family.
Sara Hall-Glibbery
March 18, 2012
I met Jim only once when he and my cousin his lovely wife Maggie came to California to visit, but it was clear to see that he was a man of integrity and fortitude. God Bless until we meet again. Prayers Maggie..LOVE U!
Stephanie Pokornicki
March 18, 2012
Dr Otis. RIP. Loved working with one of the finest doctors and friend. My heart goes out to your family and all that will miss you. Love Stephanie.
Myra Carver
March 17, 2012
Rest in peace Dr. Otis. I enjoyed the almost 2 years I worked for you at OASWFL. A wonderful Dr, wonderful person and a good friend. My prayers to Maggie and the rest of the family. God Bless and be with you all.
Darlene Cannistraci
March 17, 2012
Dr. Otis WE WILL MISS YOU. Our condolences to your wife and family . We are so sorry for your loss.
The nurses and staff at Gulf Coast Medical Center, 3West Orthopedics
candace stafford-rigsby
March 17, 2012
I had the distinct HONOR of being a patient of Dr. Otis for more than 15 years. He took pride in his work and every procedure he did on me was successful.
We talked once in a while about our families, and Dr Otis was so proud to be
a grandfather. He was definitely a devoted family man.
His presence will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
I know Heaven is celebrating tonight that James Otis has arrived !!! My prayers go out to his wife and family.
Lisa Blasi
March 17, 2012
Rest in peace Jim..I enjoyed the time I got to spend with you. Such a friendly, smart, loving and fun person. You were one of the good ones! I'll continue to share my memories with Maggie, Laura, and your family and Bill and Eric. You will be truly missed. I'm so sorry for your loss Mags. xoxo
Cheryl Poirier
March 17, 2012
Rest in Peace, Dr. Otis. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Maggie and to their family. I am so sorry for your loss.
John Poirier
March 17, 2012
Heartfelt condolences for Maggie and all of Jim's family. I will remember him as a compassionate, honorable man, who had an endearing playful side, but was serious and compassionate as well. On the golf course, he was often behind the group looking for lost balls. He didn't need them, I think he just wanted to salvage what may have been left behind by others. I believe he will continue to search.
Debbie Fine
March 17, 2012
I was honored to have worked with Dr. Otis at Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center and in his office. I pray for his wife Maggie and the rest of his family. You will be missed Dr. O.
Larry Black
March 17, 2012
Goodbye Jim. I'm going to miss you
Beverly Ward
March 17, 2012
Jim was an excellent surgeon, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and dog owner. He left a mark on everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. You were a great man and you will be missed by so many people. Xo
Lenny & Brenda Cosentino
March 17, 2012
Rest in Peace Dr. Otis. We will never forget your kindness, your warmth, your humor, and the compassion you showed us in our time of need. We will remember you and be grateful for the time we had........always.
We pray for your family to find strength to bear the pain of their loss.
Nancy Pozo
March 17, 2012
My prayers are with Maggie and the family I worked for him for 5 years and he was a womderful person and exceptional Doctor he will be missed greatly.
Sharon Webster
March 17, 2012
My prayers and sympathy to the family. So many of us will miss our wonderful doctor who made us feel like friends.
March 17, 2012
Our prayers are with you and our hearts are breaking for you.
Lynford Bourn and Sharon Marceau (Ft.Myers,Fl)
Jennifer Bradbury
March 17, 2012
Gone too soon, you will be missed!
Donna Johnson
March 17, 2012
The thoughts and prayers of many people are with you as your family endures this difficult time.He will always be close in the hearts of those he loved.
Patti Trahar Lemus
March 17, 2012
Prayers of strength and courage to the family. Jim is missed and will always be in your hearts.
Donald Schmidt
March 17, 2012
Great doctor. He will be missed. Our prayers and sympathy go out to his family.
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