James Martin Otto

James Martin Otto passed away peacefully at home in Dewey, AZ on November 21, 2024, at the age of 87 years. He was born on March 31,1937 in Detroit, Michigan to Martin T. and Martha D. (nee Sattelberg) Otto. He graduated from Pershing High School in Detroit in 1955 and proceeded to receive his Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in 1959.

 On August 20, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Ann L. Hopkins. Three years and three children later, he received his Master of Arts degree in Ancient History from Wayne State University. He taught mostly in junior and senior high schools in Detroit from 1959 to 1971 including at Finney High School where he formed lasting bonds with many of his students who remained in touch with him through his final days. One of his former students shared these heartfelt words with Jim over 40 years later: “Of you, I think it can be unequivocally said that you did a more marvelous and rare thing: You helped bring your students alive (our minds and hearts and selves) by how you taught us history. How many professors are remembered when their old students are sitting and talking around a fire in story after story, speaking of our classes with you, literally decades later? We weren't there studying with you for our PhDs -- we were children obsessed with getting girls or boys to like us, with Kent State, the Beatles, the Draft, learning to drive or whatever it was that week. But among so many who did not have your gifts and could not or did not care to use them if they did, you, my friend, got through to so many of us, and you helped make room in a bunch of ordinary kids for real human beings to take their place one day in a world of enormous complexity and challenge.”

 In 1971, he moved with his wife and six children, including two sets of twins, to Grand Lake, Colorado and taught in Granby for the East Grand School District from 1971 to 1982. He ended his 25-year career in education as the assistant to the superintendent from 1982-1984.

 Jim embraced his new small town Colorado lifestyle and was president of the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce and served on the Grand Lake Town Council. Jim and Ann moved to Arizona in 1984 where he had a successful insurance business for many years. He was past president of the Prescott Kiwanis Club and served on the board of the United Way of Yavapai County.

 He loved to travel with his wife all over the world and even took some of his grandchildren with them in later years. Jim inherited his love of gardening from his mother and enjoyed tending his gardens as long as he could. He was an avid reader, particularly books of an historical nature.

 Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Ann, and five children who adored him: Julie (Rod) Pickett of Durango, Colorado; Dr. James (Nataliia) Otto of Nacogdoches, TX; John Otto of Rimrock, AZ; Jacquelyn (John) LaLonde of Tempe, AZ; and Jennifer (Jeff) Wilhelm of Prescott, AZ. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who lovingly called him Poppy. His daughter Jodie, sister Dolores Shankin, and his parents preceded him in death.

 He will have a private burial at Heritage Memorial Park in Dewey, AZ.

The family is honoring Jim's wishes that there be no funeral or flowers sent.

If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Salvation Army, CASA Meals on Wheels, or the Prescott Valley Library.