OSTLUND, Dr. James Gary June 24, 1957 -
September 11, 2012. James Gary (Jim) Ostlund passed away suddenly at his home in Hope, BC at the age of fifty-five. Jim was recovering from recent surgery and looking forward to his renewed health, making this an especially tragic turn of events. He was predeceased by his father Norm, mother Pat, and brother Rick. He is survived by sisters Joanne (Brian Howard) and Patricia (Kevin Magnall), niece Gwen Howard, nephews Shawn and Jason Howard and David and Michael Ostlund, as well as eight great nephews and nieces. Jim received his Bachelor's degree from Simon Fraser University and went on to study physical anthropology at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where he received both his Master's degree and PhD. He participated in several archaeological excavations in BC, Alberta and Thailand. He taught briefly at Malaspina College before following in his brother's footsteps and joining Correctional Service Canada (CSC). For the last several years Jim dedicated himself to his career as a Parole Officer, and took much pride in the work he did. Jim spent many hours as a young man hiking, skiing and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. He loved to discuss his field of anthropology and was a voracious reader. He spent countless hours reading on his back porch, with his beloved cat Mu nearby. As per Jim's wishes, a family celebration of his life will be held later this fall. Special thanks to the many health care professionals who worked closely with Jim during his recent illness and surgery. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC, the BCSPCA, or a charity of your choice in memory of Jim would be greatly appreciated.