James “JA” Osterhage

James (Ja) Michael Osterhage, 37, of Highland Heights, KY, a loving son, brother, and uncle passed away after a brief illness on September 6th, 2024. He is survived by his parents, John and Diane Osterhage, sister Carrie (Jake) Lawson, niece Nora, nephew Kain, beloved cat Remi, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ja was a 2005 graduate of Dixie Heights High School where he played varsity soccer. From there, he went on to earn a bachelors degree in accounting from NKU. He worked for several years at Sheakley and recently started a new position at PrestoSports. When not working, you could find Ja refereeing soccer or gaming.

He devoted much of his life to soccer, and as much as he loved playing the game, his true passion was refereeing it. From a young age, he spent nearly every weekend at one field or another, always sporting the newest ref jersey as soon as he could get his hands on it. He was a proud a very deserving member the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s State Championship referee crew on multiple occasions..

Even off the field, Ja dedicated much of his time to reffing, he loved watching game films and going over what was done right or wrong; he was involved in the KHSAA for nearly two decades, and even served as treasurer of the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association which allowed him to combine his love for soccer with his background in accounting.

Though Ja was a quiet and reserved guy, he didn’t hesitate to step out of his comfort zone to teach referee courses when the opportunity arose. Through this, Ja helped usher hundreds of new refs into the field, and they have some impossibly big shoes to fill with his devastating loss.

Referees have to put their feelings aside to call games fairly, and that is where Ja shined. Ja never cared who won or lost; he cared that the game was officiated fairly. He was almost never the loudest guy in the room, but he was always the fairest. Maybe that is why his loss feels so unfair to those close to him.

Ja was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. The pain of losing him is truly unbearable and our family will never be the same. We love you Ja, may you rest in peace.

Visitation for Ja will be at Linnemann Funeral Homes in Erlanger, KY on Friday, September 13th, 2024 from 10:30 to 1:30, followed by a service. Ja’s family welcomes anyone who would like to say a few words about him to do so. Service will begin at 1:30 and from there, followed by a burial at Floral Hills Cemetery in Taylor Mill, KY.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) in JA’s name to 158 Constitution St. Lexington, KY 40507. Online condolences can be left at www.LinnemannFuneralHomes.com.