Robert James Ostrander (Jim), 80 of Greenwich, CT beloved husband, father and brother passed away on January 30. Jim was born July 10, 1942 in New Haven, CT to Mary (Clifford) and Robert Farnsworth Ostrander. He was predeceased by his brother William Clifford Ostrander.
Jim grew up in Woodbridge, CT where he attended Amity High School, class of 1960 and subsequently studied at Iowa State University where his 6’7″ height was put to good use playing basketball.
Jim’s work as a plastic’s manufacturer started in his parents’ garage when he purchased his first plastic injection molding machine. His early work in plastic injection molding led to the establishment of Plastimatic, Inc in Norwood, NJ followed by Plastic Injection Command, Inc. headquartered in Chappaqua, NY and Pocomoke City, MD. Jim was responsible for the engineering, distribution and manufacturing of custom molds for small precision parts. He also established Vic-Cam Optics, LLC, a manufacturer of camera lenses and Orby, a manufacturer of light-up products and flying discs.
Jim was forever pursuing new ideas and businesses, always started with a dream and executed with tenacity and hard work. In 1989, he founded World Cup Gymnastics, a state-of-the-art competitive and recreational training center. World Cup Gymnastics produced National, New York state and Olympic team champions.
In 1993, Jim founded World Cup Nursery School and Kindergarten. It is a well-known private school for early childhood education also located in Chappaqua, NY.
Jim was a hands-on business and home owner with an incredible skill for diagnosing and repairing mechanical and automotive equipment. He learned these skills at an early age working with his father who owned the Nash auto dealership in New Haven, CT.
Flying was Jim’s favorite pastime. He was instrument rated for his single-engine Mooney Bravo and twin-engine Aztec. Jim housed his planes at Westchester County Airport and Newport, NH. He often flew from his CT home to his home on Lake Sunapee, NH logging in over 5,000 hours. Jim drove his motorcycle across the country twice and sponsored a motorcycle race team in Daytona.
Jim will be remembered for his keen business instinct. He was not afraid to take risks and roll up his sleeves to create the next venture. His strong entrepreneurial spirit and relentless work ethic resulted in much success and enjoyment over the years.
When not working, Jim enjoyed entertaining friends and family with karaoke. He had a passion for singing and a beautiful voice.
Summers were spent boating and fishing on Lake Sunapee, NH, and playing golf. His home on the lake was where Jim and Jackie could relax and recharge with children, grandchildren and friends. With memories from over 60 years, no wonder this spot remains so special to his entire family. Jim enjoyed winter homes in Palm Beach and Bonita Springs, FL.
Jim was a devoted and proud father of three children: Mary Ostrander Thielen of Stamford, CT, Robert James Ostrander Jr. (Laura MacSwan) of Darien, CT and William Harlow Ostrander (Trisha Shepard) of Stratford, CT.
Stepfather to Christopher E. Bashian of Boston, MA, and Alexander G. Bashian (Tuohy Ahern) of New Canaan, CT.
Jim has seven grandchildren: Eric Tyler Thielen, Jake James Ostrander Thielen, Ricky Neel Thielen, Robert James Ostrander III, Benjamin Ostrander, William Ostrander, and Ashley Elliott Ostrander; and three step-grandchildren Beatrice Bashian, Caroline Bashian, and Edward Bashian.
Jim is survived by his brother H. Thomas Ostrander (Carol) of Bonita Springs, FL and East Haddam, CT; and Barbara Ostrander Meyer (Ken) of Cincinnati, OH; and many nieces and nephews.
He is adored by his wife, Jacqueline A. Ostrander, of 25 years, whose love and devotion helped Jim through a 9-year struggle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Jim will be fondly remembered for his amazing sense of humor, openness, love and generosity. Jim had an impact on everyone that knew him. He will be sorely missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at St. Mary Church, 178 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) at 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Suite 205 Lilburn, GA 30047 or https://www.lbda.org/donate/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com for the Ostrander family.
