James Lee Oestmann was born May 24, 1937 in Auburn, Nebraska to Clarence William John and Ellen Amelia (Gerdes) Oestmann. He was the first baby born at the “new” Tushla Hospital. He was baptized on June 20, 1937 and confirmed on Palm Sunday, March 18, 1951, both at Hickory Grove Lutheran Church.

Jim attended country school at Hickory Grove District 27 through 8th grade, and graduated from Auburn High School in 1954. On May 24, 1955, his 18th birthday, he was united in marriage to Rosalie Ann Ritchie at the Auburn Christian Church. Two children were born to this marriage, Anne Denise and James Lee, II. Rosalie died on May 22, 2005, two days before what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. He later married Linda S. Knox Remmers, who died on March 31, 2012.

He farmed in Nemaha County, sold insurance in Auburn, and later became the manager of Davidsons Furniture Showcase in Omaha. In his middle years, Jim began a love of traveling, especially trips to Germany.

He resided in Auburn, Nebraska his entire life and was a lifetime member of Hickory Grove Lutheran Church.

Jim passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn at the age of 88 years and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie; 2nd wife, Linda S.; parents, Clarence and Ellen; brother, Kenny; in-laws, A.B. and Ruth Ritchie; brother-inlaw, Dennis Rohrs; and son-inlaw, Bill Fitzgerald.

He is survived by companion, Raedeahna Gerdes; his children, Anne Fitzgerald and Jim (JaNay) Oestmann; grandchildren, Trevor Fitzgerald, Abby Fitzgerald (James Schneider), Meleia Oestmann, and Alexa Oestmann (Justin Cooper); great-grandchildren, Jack Fitzgerald and Bobby Fitzgerald; sisters-in-law Linda L. Oestmann and Margaret Rohrs; step-daughter, Lori Gerking and family; nieces, nephews, and numerous other extended family members.

A memorial service, officiated by Rev. Paul Lillenas, was Monday, June 30, 2025, at Hickory Grove Lutheran Church near Auburn. Deanne Gerking was accompanist for congregational hymns. Burial of ashes was in Hickory Grove Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials were suggested to Auburn Rescue Squad or Hickory Grove Lutheran Church.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.