James L. Oberlander

James Lowell Oberlander, 82, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Jim was born March 1, 1942 in Bucyrus to the late Clifford L. and Elfreda J. (Knipp) Oberlander. He attended school at Holmes Liberty before graduating from Bucyrus High School in 1961 and went on to serve in the Ohio National Guard from 1963 until 1969. On October 17, 1964, Jim married Susan J. Rehm and she survives. 

Jim was raised on their family farm in Holmes Twp. and following high school he managed the Shell service station in Bucyrus. “Obie”, as referred to by co-workers and friends, worked at Swan Rubber for several years before being hired at Timken where he was employed for 30 years and retired in 2000. 

Jim or “Pops” to his family, was a handy individual who prided himself on his many projects completed at their home on Ohio Drive, where they lived for 50 plus years. He loved time spent working outside and spent many hours tending to their landscaping, as well as mowing. In addition to mowing his own lawn, he spent many years mowing for others which gave him something to do during his retirement years. He also spent a lot of time tending to his model train setup and liked creating woodworking crafts that he shared with others as gifts. When his children were younger, he was into RC airplanes, and he coached both Minor League and Little League baseball when his son was growing up. As grandchildren came along, he actively followed them as they participated in their events and activities. Their family didn’t do a great deal of traveling, but they did enjoy creating many fond memories over several years while gathering at Mohican State Park. 

Jim was a member of the Bucyrus Moose, served on the board of directors for the Bucyrus Little League and had been a member of the Bucyrus Twp VFD. He enjoyed following all Cleveland sports teams as well as the Buckeyes and often watched them alongside his four-legged companion, Layla.

In addition to Susan, his wife of nearly 60 years, Jim is survived by children, Kelly (Steve) Heinlen and Scott Oberlander; grandchildren, Kylie (Matt) Rebon, Kyle (Peyton) Dennison, Jackie (Sam) Plott, Bryden (Pash) Oberlander and Alexa Oberlander; great grandchildren, Riley, Blake, Kannon and Luke; sister, Donna Naufzinger Welsh and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Oberlander as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Oberlander.

His family will hold a celebration of life gathering at a later date. If desired, donations can be made payable to the Bucyrus Backpack Program or the Bucyrus Salvation Army and these gifts will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook at www.wisefuneral.com.