Jim Otto, 78, of Anderson passed away Sunday, September 6, 2020, at the same place he was born at, surrounded by his family’s love at his bedside.
Jim Otto’s life began on September 11, 1941 at St John’s Hospital in Anderson. He grew up in Anderson with his sister Judy Laughlin and was a graduate of Anderson High School. In his early years, he enrolled at Ball State University where he ultimately flunked out of Music class, leading him to his employment at Delco Remy in Anderson, where he happily retired after 38 years. He was a dedicated man who went to work through a snowstorm, but missed work for only two important things.
Jim met the love of his life, Thelma Scott, while she was bartending, and married in 1974. Together, they lived in their home in Edgewood and raised four children: Phillip Apple Jr., Yolonda McConnell (Collin), Steven Otto (Sherri), and Kim Pitts (Shane). He loved and provided for all of his children, as well as his grandchildren. He had missed work for the birth of his first grandchild, Jessica Otto (Noah), and later welcomed Brittany Apple, Dillon and Tyler McConnell, Tripp and Finley Pitts, and Silas VanHorn, He was also survived by several nieces and nephews.
As a committed race fan, he was known for taking off work for the annual Anderson Speedway Little 500 sprint car race. Jim was present at the race track for more than 58 years, where he started a family tradition that will live on. During that time, he created many friendships within the stands of the race track, as well as out on the town, enjoying his many favorite restaurants. A special thank you to all of the friends along his journey, including: John Hayes, Bobby Leever, Ed Williams, Jim Mudd (Mudd Pie).
Jim was proceded in death by his parents, George and Maxine (Brown) Otto; wife, Thelma Otto; and son, Phillip Apple Jr.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday September 12, 2020 at Brown Butz & Diedring Funeral Home 515 E. 53rd St. Anderson, IN 46013 with Denny Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery after a victory lap at Anderson Speedway. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Friday September 11, 2020 at Brown Butz & Diedring where we will Celebrate Jim’s 79th Birthday. Memorial contributions may be made to the place Jim loved most Anderson Speedway, 1311 Martin Lthr King Jr. Blvd, Anderson, IN 46016.
Due to Covid-19 and the governor’s mandate, face coverings will be required. Condolences and memories of Jim may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service New Castle, IN.