James Ostrup

OSTRUP JAMES HENRY OSTRUP passed away on October 29, 2015 after suffering a stroke on Oct 4. Jim was born on March 7, 1931 to Bessie Nelson and James Ostrup Sr. in Taber, AB and spent his growing up years in Picture Butte. Jim joined the army in 1950 when he was 19 years old and he was a member of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. While serving in the Korean War, his battalion earned the United States Presidential Unit Citation for their participation in the battle of Kapyong, a very rare honour for a Canadian Unit. Jim signed up for the Airborne (Paratroopers), did 19 jumps in his career and earned his "wings". From 1953-55 he served with NATO in Germany and then in 1964 he served for five months in the Belgian Congo as a UN Peacekeeper. He retired to civilian life in 1966. Jim married Frances Drake in 1958 and they have been together for over 57 years. In 1967, the family moved to Picture Butte where Jim was employed at Kane Farms and the Picture Butte sugar factory. The kids have fond memories of their dad happily whistling as he walked home through the coulees. Jim retired from the Taber sugar factory in 1992 and for the next 20 years, Jim and Frances spent the winters in Texas, where they loved to dance, play crib and go on weekly trips to Mexico. Jim enjoyed all sports, especially the Blue Jays. He worked hard at anything he did. He loved gardening and his yard was always beautiful. Jim was a character and he loved to tease and laugh. He loved his family. Jim spent many happy hours playing crib in his garage with his buddies from the cul-de-sac, even leaving an unfinished game still set up in the garage as a reminder of our loss. Each year he marched in remembrance of the fallen soldiers. This year he will march as one of them. Jim was predeceased by his oldest son Neil. He will always be remembered by his wife, Frances; Karen (Dave) Lakusta; Cindy (Jim) Toone; Sheri (Albert) VanNistelrooy; Jimmie (Karen) Ostrup; Glen (Jody) Ostrup; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. Mueller and the nursing staff at CRH for their wonderful care of Jim. Please join the family for a celebration of Jim's life on November 10th, 2015 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, 324 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge.

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