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James "Jim" Ott, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, in Reseda, California. He was 70 years old.
Born on May 30, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, Jim was a man whose kindness and humor left an everlasting impact on those around him. He had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor—not loud or overbearing, but subtle, clever, and perfectly timed. His ability to make others laugh and feel at ease was one of his greatest gifts, and he shared it generously with family, friends, and even strangers. He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and so also shared his faith with others in his ministry.
Jim had many passions in life, with baseball, hunting, and fishing being among his favorites. Whether he was cheering for his team, enjoying the peace of an early morning out in nature, or swapping stories with friends, he found joy in the simple things. His love for the outdoors and sports was only surpassed by his love for his family.
For the past 20 years, Jim proudly owned and operated Instant Passport Photo Service, where he built not just a business but a community of loyal customers who looked forward to their conversations with him. His work was more than just a job—it was a way to connect with people, share stories, and bring a little bit of humor and warmth into their day. Jim poured his heart into every interaction, making each visit a memorable one.
While Jim had many accomplishments, none meant more to him than his family. He was most proud of his family, and nothing brought him greater joy than the time he spent with them. He shared 47 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Dee Ott, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Jim was also a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his love for his family knew no bounds. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children: Don and Lonnie Van Cura, Michael Klotz, Christine Ingle, Timothy Ott, and Arielle Ott. His grandchildren—Deborah Urie, Austin Ingle, Paige, Dylan, and Ryan Klotz, Brooklyn and Savannah Ingle, Cadence and Talon Ott, and Logan Van Cura — and his great-grandchildren, Aria and Ava Ingle, Delilah Ingle and Fiona Davis, and Charlotte Rose Urie were his pride and joy.
His family circle extended to his daughters-in-law, Nicole Klotz and Jenn Ott, and his beloved sisters, Lynda Lamontagne (Phil), Sandy Johnson (Jim), and Ila Lee (Jeff).
He was especially close to Jim, his oldest and dearest friend, and adored his nieces and nephews, Kevin, Renee, and Jake.
Jim was the kind of person who left a lasting impression—not because he demanded attention, but because he was genuinely kind, effortlessly funny, and deeply caring. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued, whether through a well-timed joke, a heartfelt conversation, or simply being there when you needed him most.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jim and Arlene Ott, his nephew, Jimmy Bray, his daughter-in-law, Renee Wood, and his mother-in-law, Rita Randall. Though their absence left a void in his heart, he carried their memories with him always.
Jim's impact will never fade, and his spirit will live on through the love he gave and the memories he created. His family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched will miss him dearly but will always remember him as the best husband, dad, papa, grandpa, great-grandpa, and a true friend.
In honor of Jim’s memory, his family appreciates any thoughts, prayers, and kind words shared during this time.
