James R. Oien

James Robert Oien, age 90, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, at Evergreen Assisted Living in Kingsford, MI.

James was born on December 17, 1934, in Iron Mountain, MI, one of seven children to the late Earl and Helen (Behrens) Oien. He married Rose Carlson on August 5, 1972.

James was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran serving during the Korean War. He was post commander of the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 in Iron Mountain and of the Kingsford Post. He was also a member of the DAV. He worked for many years at Nelson Paint Co. until he accepted a position at W. B. Thompson, where he worked until his retirement. He was an active member of St. Mary's Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford. After retirement he enjoyed going to his grandchildren's sporting events and activities.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rose Oien, on April 19, 2016.

He is survived by their children, Pamela (William) Revord of Iron Mountain, Cynthia Vivio (Tony Campbell) of Kingsford, Laura (Larry) Rice of Kingsford, Shawn (Constance) Duffy of Grosse Point Shores, MI, and Patrick Duffy of Whitmore Lake, MI; 14 grandchildren, Holly DeGroot, Dani Revord, Gabrielle (Eric) Chapman DeMarinis, Heather (Peter) Burby, David (Erika) Vivio, Lewis (Angie) Rice, Lee Rice, Lauren Rice (Alex Arcaro), Joshua, Ryan, Colin and Jacob Duffy, Nicole (Jeff) Robson and Mariah Duffy; 8 great-grandchildren, Riley DeGroot, Lennon Burby, Ethan, Owen and Norah Vivio, and Landen, Brayden and Brooklyn Robson. He is also survived by his siblings, Bette White, Thomas (Cindy) Oien; sisters-in-law, Wendy and Kim Oien; brothers-in-law, Edward Nichols, John (Nancy) Carlson; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Helgren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, 4 siblings, Edwin, Richard, John, and Gerald Oien; a sister-in-law, Carol Nichols; and 3 brothers-in-law, Ronald and Donald Carlson; and Warren White.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 am - 10:30 am on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain with a funeral service to follow at 10:30 am at the funeral home. Fr. Mike Woempner will officiate, and burial will be in the spring at the Quinnesec Cemetery.

Condolences to the family of James Robert Oien may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.