James Henry Oosterman, 89, of Northbridge passed peacefully surrounded by his family on January 20, 2026. He was born in Whitinsville, MA in 1936, to Edith and George Oosterman. He lived in Northbridge his entire life and attended Northbridge High School. It was there that he met and later married his lifelong love Thalia (Ashworth) Oosterman. They were married for sixty-four years before Thalia passed away in 2023.

Family always came first for Jim. He was a beloved father, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, and friend to many. He was a selfless and compassionate man with an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He reflected kindness and empathy to all he met.

Jim loved to spend time by the ocean. He sailed his beloved “Manu Kai” out of the Dutch Harbor Boat Yard in Jamestown, RI. and was a member of the Webster Sailing Association. He enjoyed spending the winter months with friends in Nokomis, FL. A gifted wood worker, Jim built houses, boats, cabinets, furniture and carvings; each one a work of art. More recently, he designed and built an exquisite elevated model railroad and enjoyed attending train shows.

Jim’s career included time spent working in the building trades as a framer for Koopman Lumber, a mold/pattern maker foreman at San-Vel Concrete Company, a driver for Fox Bus Lines and the Millbury Senior Care.

Perhaps Jim’s greatest legacy is his remarkable family. He cherished his wife, mentored his children, and lived his life with integrity. Jim is survived by his son Steve, daughter-in-law Kathy; daughter Karen Barkin, son-in-law Steve; daughter Wendy Hagarty, son-in-law Ted; son Wayne; daughter Holli, son-in-law Freddy; daughter Jean; daughter Jodi Barnard, son-in-law Jimmy; daughter Bridget Barber; son Ron Clouatre, and daughter-in-law Heather; brother Ralph Oosterman, and wife Carolyn.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Thalia (Ashworth) Oosterman and daughter Alice; siblings Raymond Oosterman, Leonard Oosterman, and Helen Baker. In addition, Jim leaves 18 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren whose lives were enriched by this remarkable man. Each one holding a special place in his heart. Jim’s family was his pride and joy; everyone treasured their time spent visiting on Cooper Rd.

The entire Oosterman family would like to extend their gratitude to those at Advinia Care in Northbridge who so graciously cared for Jim over the past few months.

Memorial Calling Hours for Jim and Thalia will be Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10AM-Noon, at Carr Funeral Home.  They will be buried together privately at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

**To view the family's video tribute to their mother and father, click the link below:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQii_0NHJTDIVCJA6W03wV2WabT_5AjLQSSDPXIgxZfoc1ROUlbW8EGp-SgLO_pYaBl0lRPsNieMRtq/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=5000