James Henry "Jim" Oster

It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Oster announce his sudden passing March 16, 2012. Jim was born April 16, 1945 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Margaret and Leo Oster. He married the love of his life Diane Bilon on June 8, 1968. Upon graduation from Fort Frances High School, Jim attended Bemidji State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in December of 1968. Jim began his teaching career with the Rainy River District School Board in September, 1969, and retired in 1999 after 30 years of teaching. He was a devoted teacher; finding teaching a highly rewarding career. Jim always thought of the school as his “second home” and went the extra mile to ensure that his students were successful. He devoted much of his time to coaching football, hockey, volleyball and basketball. He enjoyed many sports: baseball, hockey and curling. He was an avid fastball player, and he started playing fastball at the age of 16, pitching for the Fridge, the Ponderosa Steers and the Merchants. He could throw a wicked “windmill” in his prime. He was a member of the FF Minor Hockey Association for many years and he could often be seen at the hockey arena watching hockey and enjoying the progress of his former students. He enjoyed his coffee with the guys at “Reids” and kept up with the town and current affairs. His grandchildren were the bright stars in his life. He took pleasure in their development, activities and accomplishments, and never missed an opportunity to watch them play hockey, dance or swim. They brought him much happiness and he loved to tease them. His granddaughter said , “Grandpa you tease us and joke with us because you love us so much”. Jim enjoyed the simple things in life. He believed that inner strength was essential to get through the “ups and downs” of life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Diane, son Brad Oster, daughter-in-law Lonna, his grandchildren Kade and Taryn. He is also survived by his sisters, Madeline (Pat) McColman Dorothy (Werner ) Doebele, Eileen (Ed) Sobkowich, Nora Paulenko, Joan (Ken) McTavish Kathy (Tony) Pankuch, brothers John (Norma), Brian (Rhonda), Lawrence (Kathy),as well as his sister in law Joan (Dennis) Krause. Jim will also be lovingly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Leo and Margaret Oster, brother Leo Oster, and brother in law George Paulenko.

Pallbearers will be Terry Ogden, Stan Blasky, Roy Avis, Frank Strain, Owen Ross, Ken Christiansen, and Terry Burns.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 11:00 am at St Mary’s Parish, Fort Frances, Ontario with Father Francis Pudicherry officiating. Lunch and a celebration of Jim’s life will follow in the church basement.

Because of Jim’s love of sport, in memoriam donations may be made to Kids Sport Ontario, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.