Orland (OJ) James Uhden

In loving memory of Orland James (OJ) Uhden, Jr., 36, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who departed suddenly on July 2, 2024. He embraced life with a spirit and light that all who knew him cherished. Though his time with us was brief, his impact on our lives will be everlasting. OJ was a devoted son, father, brother, friend, and husband. He will be forever missed.

Born on November 18, 1987, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he was married to Michelle (Garcia) Uhden and a loving father to Orland James Uhden, III.

OJ was hardworking and dedicated. He spent over 15 years working as a machinist, CNC programmer, and manufacturing engineer, where he was known for his strong work ethic and expertise in CAD/CAM and CNC machines. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions.

His memories as a father, son, and brother deserve to be honored. He was fun, humorous, and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. In nearly every photo and video that exists, OJ is smiling and bursting with energy.

He had a keen interest in repairing things and learning new skills, whether it be plumbing and electrical around the house, to trucks, and motorcycles, to making all types of things with his precision tools. Though he enjoyed his hobbies, his primary interest and joy was being a father to his son and spending time with him.

As a son, his mother humorously nicknamed him "The Juice," a play on the initials to his name and orange juice, and almost daily he would video call his father, who lives in New Zealand. He loved being a brother to his five siblings who are now scattered across Colorado, Illinois, and California. When the family got back together after long periods of time everyone picked up where they left off and had many happy memories.

One of his hobbies was gemology, he learned to cut and polish quartz into gemstones. He was also very fond of gardening.

He is survived by his wife Michelle Uhden, son Orland James Uhden, III, father Orland James Uhden, Sr, of Wellington, New Zealand, mother Tammy (O'Keevan) Grier, of Berthoud, Colorado, siblings Eric Uhden, a naval officer, of San Diego, California, Lisa (Uhden) Padilla of Troy, Illinois, Vaughn Uhden of Berthoud, Colorado, Derek Uhden of Superior, Colorado, and Blake Uhden of Littleton, Colorado, two nieces and five nephews, three half siblings, as well as extended family members and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Instead of flowers or condolences please consider donating to the American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society in memory of OJ's life. OJ endured most of his life with Type 1 diabetes and his father is battling Stage 4 prostate cancer.