Ostendorf, James J. On December 31, 2022, after an unexpected, seven-week, valiant battle with multiple, acute illnesses, James (“Jim”) Joseph Ostendorf was called to the Kingdom of God while being embraced by loved ones laying peacefully in front of his home fireplace. Jim had just turned seventy-one years old on December 10.
Jim was married forty-nine years to his high school sweetheart, Gail (née Schenk). Jim and Gail had three children: Kristen, Michael (Megan) and Brian (Kelly) and ten grandchildren: Abigail, Tessa, Amelia, Jackson, Patrick, Matthew, Riggs, Timothy, Andrew, and Nathaniel. Jim is further survived by his three brothers: Robert (Dorothy), William (Shanna) and Joseph (Renée). Jim was also a Godfather, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, parishioner, role-model, friend, neighbor, and co-worker to many. Jim was preceded into Heaven by his parents: Robert and Rose Ostendorf.
Jim was an electrical engineer, with a passion for his profession, who graduated from St. John Vianney High School and Washington University. After nearly thirty-five years of dedication and service to his career, Jim retired and enjoyed traveling. When traveling, Jim was often the first person at waterfront each day and could easily be spotted enjoying a cold beverage and the warm sun. Jim was also a loyal parishioner of St. Catherine Laboure Parish for over sixty years, serving his parish as a member of Parish Counsel and dependably visiting the Adoration Chapel. Jim’s hobbies included polishing his beloved sports car, listening to country music, and challenging himself to successfully repair anything that had broken. Most of all, Jim loved to spend time talking, playing, and pampering his grandchildren.
“Jim”, “Jaime”, “Dad”, “Gramp”, “Pappa Jim”, “Pappa” and “Uncle Jim” was a positive impact on so many lives and will forever be missed from this world.
Visitation will be held at St. Catherine Laboure Parish (9740 Sappington Road St. Louis, MO 63128) at 12:00pm on Saturday, January 14 with a memorial mass to follow at 1:00pm. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending monetary donations to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or St. John Vianney High School.
Jim was two years ahead of me at SCL and Vianney. I remember his Mustang, blue I think. He was always so nice it doesn’t surprise me to read what a great life he had and the love he had for his family and friends. So sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy, with hugs and prayers to Gail, Ruston, Michael, and Brian and all rest of your family You all loved him through the worse possible scenario and walked him to heaven. Our hugs and prayers. Joe and Linda Eagle
Oh dearest Kristen and family:. I am so so sorry to hear and then read about the loss of your dear Father. He sounds like all those wonderful men I grew up with in my West Philadelphia neighborhood -(like my Dad and my 3 brothers) a truly good man who obviously loved and adored his family – I feel as if I knew him. Such a loss – I am sure he was very proud of you. Sending much Love – I pray you and your family experience Dad’s “Peace” very soon. Mikie Fernley
Dear Gail and family,
We are hearbroken for you with the loss of Jim. We have wonderful memories of you all here in Lafayette, IN. May Jim be greeted by the angels. May he be granted eternal rest.
Mary Ann and Tom Burns
Dan Leuthen worked with Jim on various projects at Mallinckrodt Inc in St Louis for many years. In recent years we found our grandsons were classmates at St Catherine’s… He was a talented engineer.
So very sorry for this awful loss of a wonderful man. My condolences to all of you and prayers for you as you grieve