James Bryan Oberg

CARBONDALE - James Bryan Oberg passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born in Chicago to Roy William and Phyllis (Sundell) Oberg. He and Mari Ann Zander were married over 60 years ago on Aug. 14, 1965, in Villa Park.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mari Ann; son, Erik D. Oberg (Dana Myers) of Carbondale; daughter, Kaari L. Lacy (Ron Lacy) of Murphysboro; grandchildren, Grace McCoy (Addison), James Oberg and Julia Oberg, all of Carbondale; great-grandson, Asa James McCoy; brother-in-law, Donald Zander of Boulder Junction, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws.

Jim lived in Chicago for a short time and then grew up in Lake Zurich and Barrington. He graduated from Barrington High School in 1960 and then from Valparaiso University with a degree in education and business. Jim went on to Northern Illinois University for an masters of Science in education administration. His entire career was with school district 54 in Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates. He started as a social studies teacher, then as an assistant principal for five years, and then was a principal for 13 years and finished his career for eight years at the district office in staff development.

Retiring at 51, Jim worked for Eastern Illinois University as coordinator for student teachers in the Fox Valley area, where he lived, and was also a coach/trainer for the Illinois Accelerated Schools program for high-poverty schools in East St. Louis. Jim was a member of the National Secondary School Principals Association, National Education Association and Foreign Language Committee.

Before moving to Carbondale, Jim lived in Elgin for 40 years, where he was active in community events, family activities, and the Elgin Evangelical Church. He loved to travel, starting in his Boy Scout tent, moving up to a tent with a floor, into a VW camper bus from the time his children were young, camping across the U.S., and eventually graduating to a motor home, which he dearly loved, spending time in many RV parks in Florida. Over several years, Habitat for Humanity was important in his life, and he participated in many Habitat Caravan builds in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina while living and traveling in the motor home.

Over the years, Jim and Mari Ann cruised many times, including Hawaii twice, Alaska twice, the Caribbean several times, Panama Canal, Baltic Sea and the Rhine River. Many spring breaks were spent in Arizona. Up until the COVID pandemic, time was spent every winter for nine years at a condo on the beach of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Jim and Mari Ann especially loved sharing this time with their family members.

Jim was a stoic Swede, adventurer, amazing listener and conversationalist, always asking questions, and always planning the next trip before he got home from the one he was on. His sense of direction was amazing, which certainly helped with trip planning. Calm, steady, and easy-going all describe Jim. He always rooted for the underdog, including the Chicago Bears and White Sox. He loved the mountains, the ocean, music festivals (especially bluegrass), his grandkids' soccer games and dance recitals, and especially spending relaxing time with his family.

Most Carbondale friends and acquaintances never knew Jim before he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2008. This drastically changed his life. Most sadly, they never got to know his sense of humor, sense of right, loyalty, and work ethic. Out of this, however, came a new adventure. Seven years ago marked the beginning of the Rock Steady Boxing program for Parkinson's at the SIU Recreation Center. Jim had participated in this program in Gulf Shores, and was truly blessed to have been involved with opening the Rock Steady Boxing program here in Carbondale.

Funeral services will be held for the family at Zion Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the SIU Recreation Center, specified for the Rock Steady Boxing program, Southern Illinois Hospice or First United Methodist Church of Carbondale.

The family is so thankful for all the helpers and support during the last few years. The family also wishes to thank the Rock Steady Boxing members, as well as neighbors and friends, for all their love and kindness. Jim's family has also been truly blessed by many medical students from the Lincoln Scholars Program and the wonderful staff of Hospice of Southern Illinois (Cheryl, Bethany, Amy).

Arrangements were made by Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale. To leave a story or memory of Jim, visit www.meredithfh.com.