James J. Oltman

U.S. Veteran James J. Oltman, 89 of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Green Valley, IL and Horseshoe Bend, AR passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born on April 22, 1931 to Walter C. Sr. and Nonna M. (Schahrer) Oltman. He married Sylvia L. Sabine on December 26, 1954 in Pekin. She passed away on April 9, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Debra Lynn Oltman, and two brothers, Walter C. Oltman Jr. and Robert N. Oltman. Surviving are: daughter, Marilee (Michael) Proehl, of Peoria, IL; son, Clark (Kelly) Oltman of Princeville, IL; and daughter, Patricia (Bradley) Fox of Scottsdale, AZ; eight grandchildren: Derek (Ilona) Proehl of St. Charles, IL; Travis Proehl of Rocklin, CA; Carter (Ellen) Oltman of Davenport, IA; Collin Oltman of Chicago, IL; Kennedy Oltman of Kansas City, MO; Parker (Hannah) Fox of Phoenix, AZ; Capt. Tiffany (1st Lt. Bridger) Bond of Evan, GA, and Cameron Fox of Scottsdale, AZ; and 6 great grandchildren, Lucas, Caleb and Briella Proehl, Norah Bond, Patrick Fox and William Oltman. Jim was a graduate of Bradley University where he played baseball and was Captain of the team. He was a member of t...[more]

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Peoria Sunday Morning League baseball league and the Kickapoo Valley Baseball League. In 1964, he obtained his Masters Degree in School Administration from Illinois State University. Jim was a veteran of the Illinois National Guard last serving as a Staff Sergeant. He was employed by the Green Valley Grade School District for 35 years, teaching Science and coaching Baseball, Basketball, and Track & Field, retiring as Superintendent/Principal in 1989. Jim and Sylvia then moved to Horseshoe Bend, AR, where the family had vacationed for many years. In 2017, Jim and Sylvia moved to Brookdale Central Paradise Valley in Phoenix, AZ. Together, they were active in the many activities provided and were crowned King and Queen of Brookdale in 2018. He was a lifelong Christian, and with Sylvia was very active in the Green Valley United Methodist Church, and later the Valley Chapel. During retirement, he was an active member of the Horseshoe Bend United Methodist Church. Upon moving to Scottsdale, AZ, he attended the Scottsdale Bible Church. Jim was dedicated to serving the community as evidenced by his being a member of the Green Valley Fire Department, Green Valley Methodist Men, Horseshoe Bend Ambulance Service, the Horseshoe Bend Kiwanis, and the Horseshoe Bend Manor Homes, Homeowners Association. He also enjoyed golfing, playing Bridge, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and Chicago Bears Football fan. During his 89 years on this Earth, he was always filled with wonder about nature and science. Jim touched many lives and always had their best interest in mind. Jim's funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, April 19, 2021 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin with Pastor Derek Proehl officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunday, April 18 and from 10:30 AM to 11 AM Monday April 19, 2021. Burial with Military Honors will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens, Pekin, IL. Memorial contribution may be made to the Green Valley Fire Department and Midwest Central Middle School Sports Programs.