James Thomas Ostrowski

James (Jim) Thomas Ostrowski, 88, of Kiowa Colorado, passed away on April 05, 2026, after increasing health issues over the past years. He was surrounded by family and close friends at the time of his passing.

Jim was born in Kit Carson county Colorado in 1938 to Cecilia and Vincent Ostrowski. He grew up with siblings Dorothy, Delores, Robert, and Helen on their farming homestead just outside of Flagler, CO. After graduating from Flagler high school, he enlisted in the Army, serving for a number of years in the early 1960’s. Part of his responsibilities were to drive an ambulance, and he took part in the recovery of the 1965 Colorado flood.

Jim found his true love while square dancing, and married Kathleen Grey in 1977 and adopted her two daughters, Stephanie and Therese as his own. Kathy was a beloved schoolteacher in Arriba, and then went on to teach in Flagler until her retirement. Kathy taught many different grades, along with Art class.

Jim, Kathy, and the girls settled on part of the original Ostrowski homestead outside of Flagler and took care of the family farm with brother Bob (the farm growing to approximately 7711 acres). Both Jim and Bob were highly respected pillars of the farming community, and well known in Flagler and the surrounding towns, taking part in many aspects of the Flagler School Vo-Ag and FFA programs along with town activities. Both of them were collectors of cars, farm equipment, and more! Jim and Kathy supported each other; she on the farm along with their girls helping with all aspects of farm life, and he supported her as she continued her education obtaining an MS in education.

After Kathy retired from teaching at the Flagler School, she and Jim moved to Kiowa, CO. They settled into the new community developing a new set of friends, and becoming well known by many. They also kept their close ties with acquaintances in Flagler, especially with Andy and Josie Jones. Jim served as the “go to farmer” for many townsfolk in his neighborhood. He would plow his neighbor’s roads, farm and harvest fields, etc., for people around Kiowa and Elizabeth. Every one could feel the rumble from his bi-directional with the snowblower on it coming down the road in the winter. Jim loved spending time at Hoo Motors, chatting it up with everyone and showing off his latest classis car. He loved taking people for rides in his vehicles he collected. Jim also encouraged any young persons visiting the farm to drive around in the Kubota.

A special friendship was developed with his neighbor’s across the way; Micah and Jon Christensen. By 2012, Jim and Jon would drive all over the country going to auctions and picking items up from online auctions. After Kathy’s passing in 2018, Jim became the adopted family of Micah and Jon. Micah and Jon played an intricate part in helping to take care of Jim until the end. They offered and provided so much of their time and love, which the family will be forever grateful.

Jim is survived by his sister Helen of Colorado, his daughters Stephanie Ruen of Virginia, and Therese Fukuda of Colorado. Jim is also survived by grandchildren Brittany, Sean, Xander, and Madelyn, and great grandchildren Leslie, Wyatt, and Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Flagler FFA.