James Anthony Ottinger

James A. Ottinger, age 54 of Garfield, died unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Interment will take place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls.

James was born on August 19, 1971, to Paul and Marcella (Nieves) Ottinger in Sterling, Illinois. James grew up in Dixon and graduated from Franklin Grove High School in 1989. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy completing boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. His first assignment was as an Aviation Electrician aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. His carrier group was among first navy assets in the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Storm and played a key role in the conflict. During his 20-year career, he deployed around the world while assigned to the USS Ranger and USS Kennedy. He loved his country and was a proud veteran. Following retirement from the U.S. Navy, James became a stay-at-home dad and helped raise his family. He most recently took a job at Fleet Farm in Alexandria due to his passion of guns and outdoors. James was a member of the NRA, Dragon Martial Art Academy where he practiced Tae Kwon Do, with his daughter Kimberly, and the VS33 Screwbirds. His hobbies included collecting many items, some favorites, guns, knives, and survival gear. He enjoyed fishing, being on his 4-wheeler, and listening to heavy metal music. He especially loved spending time with his faithful canine companions.

He was preceded in death by his father.

James is survived by his wife of 26 years, Tiffany; son, Kevin Davidson-Miller of Garfield; four daughters, Danae (Ryan Miller) Scholl of River Forest, Illinois, Felicia Davidson-Rolph of Lochbuie, Colorado, Marissa Ottinger of Moorhead and Kimberly L. Ottinger of Garfield; mother, Marcella Ottinger of Rockford, Illinois; three sisters Janet (Mike) Berkin of Groverton, Indiana, Joli (Jeff) Koch of Streamwood, Illinois, Jeanne (Cleto) Trigo of Rockford, Illinois; and “brother”, Gunther Gassner of Dixon, Illinois; three grandchildren Kenzie Simmons, Jayce Lee, and Everleigh Zuckerman; three nephews Patrick, Thomas and Mateus.