Dec. 6, 1932-July 20, 2024
A loving husband and father, Lourus James “Jim” Ottesen has been reunited with his son, parents and siblings. He passed away peacefully in his home on July 20, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Jim, age 91 ½, left behind a beautiful legacy of love and service. He was born on Dec. 6, 1932, in Springville, Utah, as the third of four children to Lester Erastus Ottesen and Ina Jemima Larsen. He married his sweetheart Deanne on Feb. 4, 1958, in the Los Angeles, California Temple.
An avid outdoorsman, he loved flyfishing, hunting, tennis and golf. His greatest love, however, was the Lord’s people. He served in many leadership capacities throughout his life, including as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the British Isles, and later as a bishop (three times.)
He attended Brigham Young University and was the top pre-dental student of his class – the only “A”. He then went on to USC Dental School. He was a Captain in the US 6th Army at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, for two years before opening his own dental practice in Torrence, California, adjacent to his brother Sterling’s practice.
Those who knew him best would describe him as loving, having a quick wit and dedicated to his family and Jesus Christ. Giving service and loving others was the heart of who he was.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Deanne Leone McBride Ottesen; three adult children: Kerry Nichols (Todd), Kristine Finnerty (James) and James McBride Ottesen (Blithe); 16 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Mitchell McBride Ottesen; parents; and siblings Keith Ottesen, Sterling Ottesen and Karen Hoopes; and a granddaughter Madelena.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 25, at 11 a.m. the Southgate 1st Ward Chapel, 1068 West Chandler Drive, St. George, Utah. There will be no public viewing. There will be a family luncheon following the services.
Livestreaming will be available. A link will be posted at the bottom of Jim’s obituary on the Metcalf Mortuary website.
Graveside services will be held Friday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at the Ottesen Family plot in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Click here to visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.