Jim Otter

James “Jim” Neil Otter was born in Portland to Cornelius James Otter and Evelyn Violet Heine Otter on Oct. 9, 1945. Jim lived in Portland and Beaverton until the age of 10 when he moved with his mother and sister to Corvallis, where he attended school and played baseball as a youth. Jim graduated from Corvallis High School in 1963 and received special recognition for his auto mechanic skills. After high school, Jim put his automotive knowledge to work and became a mechanic at D&B Motors in Corvallis. He married his high school friend, Barbara Howard, and they were together for four years. James’ daughter Shannan was born two years after he married Jeanne Fox in 1970. In 1974, Jim went in to business with his best friend, Brian Quakenbush, at G&J Tires. However, Jim’s passion was auto mechanic work. Friends were always amazed at Jim’s ability to hear subtle engine sounds and determine the repair or tweak needed. In 1975, Jim had the opportunity to purchase D&B Motors from the Pyle family and he resumed his love of automotive repair. When he wasn’t solving the communities engine troubles, Jim enjoyed getting out of town with friends and family to hunt deer and elk, boat on northwest lakes, and watch drag races in Woodburn. Jim owned D&B Motors until August 1998, when he sold the shop, which is now known as Gary’s Automotive. After D&B Motors, Jim bought property in Lewisburg and created a shop to rebuild cars and pickups. After seven years, he dismantled the shop and moved to southern Oregon where he dealt poker at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville. In 2011, dealing poker became difficult and after medical testing, it was determined Jim suffered from early stages of dementia. Jim retired, but lived in Canyonville another year. He then moved closer to family and friends; residing at Jefferson Lodge in Dallas, Oregon. Caregivers thought of him as a family member and treated him with compassionate attention. They always knew they could get a smile out of Jim if they talked about his love of cars. Jim lived there until his death on April 9, 2016. He was 70 years old. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and former wife Daphne Lukens Otter (married 1982-1985). Survivors include his daughter, Shannan; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his sister, Sharon (Otter) McMurray of Corvallis; a niece and nephew; and numerous Otter and Heine cousins who will always remember his precocious nature as a child. A graveside service with family and friends was held at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Corvallis on April 19, 2016. Donations can be made to Hospice Care of the Northwest (www.hopicecarene.com).

Tributes

Jim Otter

October 9, 1945 - April 9, 2016