James Edward Oliphant Sr
James Edward Oliphant Sr
Obituary
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Upcoming Events
Dec
3
Graveside service
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55450
Send FlowersOnly 5 days left for delivery to next service.
James Oliphant Obituary
September 28, 1935 - November 12, 2025
James Edward Oliphant was born on September 28, 1935. The youngest of five children born to Robert Oliphant and Nellie (Hayes) Oliphant. He grew up in the small rural community of Tchula in Holmes County, Mississippi, surrounded by a loving and close-knit family. James later graduated from Hughes High School in Arkansas.
After graduating, James moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served two terms. During his service, he was stationed in Hawaii, where he met his first wife, Nora "Jean" (Burnett) Oliphant. Together, they raised four children. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Eva Joanne Oliphant (Kalaiwaa), and survived by his sons, James E. Oliphant Jr. and Marty Alan Oliphant. and his daughter, Laura Ann (Oliphant) Matsuyama.
James furthered his education by attending Kennedy-King College. He enjoyed working on cars often side by side with his brother Nathaniel and took pride in becoming a true "jack of all trades". James dedicated many years of loyal service to the City of Chicago, working for Streets & Sanitation, where he eventually retired as a Foreman in Security.
James is also survived by his wife, Irene (Hammond) Oliphant, and her three daughters: Diane Reams, Yvonne Henton, and Danetta Hammond. He was preceded in death by Dennis Ruth, Carsted Ruth and Michael Hammond.Those who preceded James in death also include his grandparents, his parents, and all of his siblings: his oldest brother Bennie Will Oliphant, his loving sister Zirlee Ramsey, and his brothers Robert and Nathaniel Oliphant-brothers who were partners for life.
On November 12, 2025, James Edward Oliphant was reunited with all those who went before him. His strength, dedication, and commitment to his family will forever be remembered and deeply missed.
Rest in peace, James Edward Oliphant-beloved son, brother, father, husband, uncle, cousin and Grandpa/ Great Grandpa
VA MILITARY SERVICE, December 3rd 2025, 9am, Arrive 15 minutes early.
The VA Burial will last for only 15 minutes.
7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450
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Upcoming Events
Dec
3
Graveside service
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55450
Send FlowersOnly 5 days left for delivery to next service.