Otto "Jim" Kamptner, age 84 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Lacks Cancer Center in Grand Rapids. He was born on February 10, 1929 in Chicago, the son of Otto F. Kamptner and Mildred (Hawes) Kanipe. Otto is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 36 years, Elaine (Henderson) Kamptner; their son, Joshua Kamptner; his children, Michael Kamptner, Jeffery (Jody) Kamptner, and Rebecca (Paul) Andrews; 6 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren; half siblings, Robert (Gretchen) Newberg, David (Brenda) Newberg, Otto L. (Jan) Kamptner, Edward (Arlene) Kamptner, Betty (Don) Nelson, Thomas (Lena) Kamptner and Susan (Dan) Fuller. He was preceded in death by his parents and a half-brother, Irving "Skip" Newberg. Otto served in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1948. He attended Ferris Institute until he was called back into the Navy to serve during the Korean Conflict. After three years he was honorably discharged. Following graduation from Ferris, Otto began working for Hanchett Manufacturing in 1955, and was promoted several times, retiring as General Manager in 1994 after 39 years. Then he began his "second career" with the Mecosta County Sherriff's Office, where he worked part-time and volunteered until December 2013. He served the community in many ways over the years. Otto helped start the Big Rapids Little League, and coached for 20 years. He served for two terms (1968-1976) on the Big Rapids School Board; volunteered on the Mecosta County Sherriff's Posse from 1968- 1994; and was a member of the Big Rapids Jaycees and local VFW Post #4102. He loved to teach all types of safety classes "" hunter, boater, RV, snowmobile "" and taught hundreds of students over the years. Otto had a passion for ensuring others safety through teaching. Funeral services will take place 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Charles Hewlett officiating. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 3rd at the funeral home and from 3:00 p.m. until the time service begins at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday the 4th. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Otto Kamptner Memorial Scholarship Endowment for support of Criminal Justice students at Ferris State University.