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James Philip Ottaviano, 86, of Tularosa, NM, passed at his home on September 22, 2026, surrounded by his wife of 64 years.
Jim was born in Easton, PA and graduated from Easton High School in 1958 before deciding to join the military. In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent 4 years serving our country. His last duty station was in Las Vegas, NV where he was set up on a blind date with Julia Benavidez. About 8 months later, Jim would marry Julia in Las Vegas at a chapel on Nellis Air Force Base, end his military service, and move back to his hometown in Pennsylvania to start a family. In Easton they had three daughters, Donna, Judy, and Denise. Jim found work at Mack Printing and IKG steel mill.
In 1979, the family moved to Tularosa, NM, Julia’s hometown. Jim retired from the City of Alamogordo in 2003 after working in the Water, Parks and Recreation, and Street departments.
Jim had a love for singing and playing guitar. In his 20s, he joined a singing quartet called The Flashers. Jim taught himself how to play guitar and enjoyed performing for friends and family on his Gibson electric guitar and a 12-string. He taught his nephew Sammy Joe Vigil how to play guitar who became a talented musician. He also played trumpet and played Reveille, Retreat and Taps while in the Air Force.
Jim was an excellent cook, being the “head chef” for the family his whole life. Everything he cooked was delicious from steak and chicken, to pizza and pasta. No one will ever forget the many times he would camp with the family and make spaghetti and meatballs for everyone.
Jim will probably best be known for his sense of humor and joking around. Until the very end, he was cracking jokes and making us laugh. Many will probably remember his pranks, telling funny stories, and ability to make people laugh.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Josephine Ottaviano. He is survived by his wife Julia, of 64 years; his daughters, Donna Ottaviano (Chris) of Las Cruces, NM, Denise Ottaviano and Judy Ottaviano of Tularosa, NM; his granddaughters, Sarah Dysinger and Alicia Ruiz (Tom); great grandchildren, TJ, Eva, Andrew, and Zoey Ruiz. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Ottaviano (Marilyn); sisters, Annamarie Thatcher (Ron) and Beatrice Ann Wagner (Jeff).
The family extends its deepest gratitude to Jim's hospice nurse, Erva, who cared for him with such love and compassion, and provided the family with much needed comfort and support.
Cremation has taken place. The eulogy and visitation will be held at St. Francis De Paula Catholic Church in Tularosa, NM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9:30 am followed by a mass at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Tularosa. Lunch will be served at a celebration of life at the Ottaviano home following burial.
