James Peter Oste

James Peter Droste, age 92, died Saturday, December 18, 2021 surrounded by his family at Riverview Health and Rehabilitation Center after a short illness.

James was born on May 02, 1929 to Donald J. and Laurina C. (Werner) Droste in Pewamo, MI.

James married Carolyn E. Ertzberger and went on to have four children. Barry J. Droste, Gary J. Droste, Karen S. Droste and Sheri A. Droste.

Aside from his family James greatest devotion was to the military. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 3, 1947 and retired on December 31, 1969 as a CMSgt. He was just shy of twenty-three years of service to his country. James spent seven months on foreign soil flying missions in and out of Vietnam and Korean war. He was awarded the following decorations during his time in the Air Force, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. James experience in the Air Force played a very important role in his life. The Air Force taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause greater than yourself. James instilled these values in his children.

James also supported numerous veteran’s organizations and causes throughout his life. He loved helping the homeless veterans in and around Savannah, GA. He would go to the Diner on Abercorn Extension where people would bring in their donations and he would deliver them to the homeless camps in Savannah area. James also loved to buy old bikes and fix them up. He would disable the bikes, take the good parts, and make one complete bike. He would then give the bikes to the less fortunate, especially children.

James was predeceased by his parents Donald J. and Laurina C. (Werner) Droste, lovely wife Carolyn E. Droste, son Barry J. Droste, sister Lucille M. Howard, brother Roy Droste, sister Donna Mae Karber, brother Arthur Droste, sister Julianne Snater, brother Paul E. Droste, grandson Chad C. Droste and great granddaughter Paige D. Droste.

He is survived by three children, Gary J. Droste, Karen S. Droste and Sheri A. Droste (Gary), brother Richard Droste, grandchildren Jennifer Riner (Rob), Amy Lowery and Corey Droste, grandson Chad C. Droste wife, Lori D. Droste. Great grandchildren that he absolutely adores, Clay Droste, Marshall Droste, August Lowery and Sanders Sullivan.

Grave side service will be held at Hillcrest Abby West, 1336 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, GA 31405 on December 28, 2021 at 11:00am.

The family asks that if you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please make it to the Tiny House Project in Savannah, GA. This is an organization that James felt strongly about.
Tiny House Project - Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (homelessauthority.org)

Please sign our online guestbook at www.bakermccullough.com

Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80 Garden City, GA 31408. (912) 964-2862. www.bakermccullough.com