James J. Otley, 1941-2016

James J. Otley, age 74 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016. Jim was born September 25, 1941 to Thomas and Lorraine (Reich) Otley, Jr. in Chicago, IL. He married Margaret Thellmann on June 22, 1962 in Spring Lake. Jim graduated from Western Michigan University in 1963.He spent 19 years with Hallmark Cards and retired from American Greetings after 23 years of service in sales. Jim enjoyed spending time on the tennis and racquetball courts, water skiing and being surrounded by family. He took pleasure in watching his children and grandchildren participate in various sporting and music events. Jim was an avid U of M football fan and season ticket holder. His true passion was cruising in his 1950 Ford convertible with his childhood sweetheart, wife of 54 years and best friend Marge.  Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marge; daughter, Leigh (Jason) Teresi of Holland, MI; son James J. (Sophia) Otley, Jr of Indianapolis, IN; grandsons: Sam, Luke, Nat, Gabe and Michael Otley and Jake and Devin Teresi; sisters-in-law, Pat (John) Neuhaus of Grand Haven and Nancy Scudder of Hudsonville, MI. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Otley, III. The memorial service for Jim will be 10:00 am Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Richard Brēst officiating. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family 5:00-8:00 pm Friday, July 8, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Foundation Kidney Transplant Program. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Jim’s online guestbook.