James M. Ott, 61

James M. Ott, 61, of East Petersburg, died of natural causes while hunting with his grandson Allen Bowser in Bradford County on Tuesday. His friends from the East Petersburg Fire Company found him Thursday, November 29^th.

Jim was the husband of Shirley K. (Smith) Ott and they just celebrated their 38^th wedding anniversary on November 10^th. He was born in Harrisburg, PA, the son of Rose C. Cuccaro Ott of Lancaster, and the late Harry A. Ott.

Jim worked for Armstrong World Industries from 1967 until 2000, starting at the Marietta plant Carpet Division as a foreman and retiring in 2000 from the Floor Plant. He was a 1964 graduate of Manheim Township High School. Jim lettered for 3 years on the swim team in the butterfly and individual medley.

Jim was the former captain of the East Petersburg Fire Co. and was very active in assisting in all the Fire Hall activities and functions. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War,serving in the US Navy as a BT3 on the USS Forrestal CVA59. He was stationed in Europe.

Jim loved spending time with his family and hunting with his grandchildren. Jim had a big heart and was always kind to everyone.

In addition to his wife and mother, Jim is survived by 3 children: James M., Jr.  husband of Brenda Y. Ott of New Providence, Julie A.  married to Brian Gerhart of Neffsville, and Mary Jo Bowser of Lancaster; 5 grandchildren: Richard Allen Bowser, Jai Marie Madara, Justin and Ben Feeney, and Ashley Gerhart; and by a sister, Carol A. married to Richard E. Moyer of Summit, NJ. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard A. Bowser.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Tuesday evening from 6-8PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA.  A second calling time will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10-11AM and the funeral ceremony will be held at 11AM, with Pastor John Hostetter and Chaplain Robert Kaufman officiating. Please omit flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be sent to the East Petersburg Fire Co., 6076 Pine St., East Petersburg, PA 17520.