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.
Linnemann Funeral Home Erlanger 30 Commonwealth Avenue
ERLANGER, KY 41018
Linnemann Funeral Home Erlanger 30 Commonwealth Avenue
ERLANGER, KY 41018
Floral Hills Memorial Gardens
Address: Taylor Mill, KYJames “JA” Osterhage
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Sorry for your loss
Mr. and Mrs. Osterhage, I am so sorry to hear of Ja’s passing. I referred soccer with Ja and basketball with John. I always learned something about refereeing soccer when I had a match with Ja. My condolences. Kurt Krumpelman
Ja Osterhage
We are shocked and so sad by the news of Ja’s passing! Our thoughts and Prayers are with your family!
Sincerely John and Penny Brady
You will be missed
Condolences to the Osterhage family on the loss of JA. He was both a ref and friend. I always looked forward to reffing with JA because that meant the game would be done correctly. He had the whistle and I was happy to be his AR. Through soccer, he touched several members of my family. We will all miss him.
Our Sincere Condolences
John, Diane and Carrie, Chris and I send our sincere condolences on your loss. I remember Ja growing up from our office outings and how much he loved soccer. I learned of his passing from another referee I have worked with in the past. Take solace in the fact that he was a fine young man who was able to do what he loved to do and was loved and respected in the soccer community. Greg and Chris Reece
Sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family
Diane and John, I was saddened to hear that JA passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family. Pam Rice
From a fellow soccer friend
I had the privilege and honor of learning to referee soccer with Ja many years ago. He was so good because he cared about his craft and the game itself as well. He was a good referee and by all accounts a good person too. Gone far too young; may his soul rest in peace.
Thinking of you!
John and Diane, we are so sorry to hear of JA’s passing. JA was a good guy, and good friend to our son, Rob. Please know that we are thinking of you, and pray that you find peace during this difficult time.
Jerry and Nancy Egan
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