Oelberg, James Frederick 1960 - 2025
OELBERG, ANDERSON, LINEHAN, KARIM, LEHEHAN, OWEN
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/28/2025 at 15:14:10
James “Jim” Oelberg age 64 of Clinton, IA, formerly of Elma, IA, died Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his home.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma with Rev. Paula Hemann officiating. Interment will be held in Howard Cemetery, Elma.
Friends may greet the family from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, prior to the service at the funeral home.
James Frederick Oelberg, known affectionately as Jim to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, in his native state of Iowa. He was born on November 11, 1960, in Elma, Iowa, the son of Dr. Christian and Beverly (Anderson) Oelberg. Jim’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of those around him throughout his 64 years.
Jim’s journey began in the heartland of America, where his early years were marked by a love of learning and a spirit of adventure. A proud graduate of Crestwood High School in 1978, he went on to further his education at Kirkwood College and LaJames College in Cedar Rapids, IA. His dedication to learning and personal growth was a constant throughout his life.
Professionally, Jim poured his gentle soul into caring for others. He worked at a Cedar Rapids Nursing Facility and styled hair at a salon in the Lindale Mall, bringing joy and comfort to his clients. Later, he continued his mission of care at the Charlotte Community Care Center in Charlotte, Iowa, until his health no longer permitted him to work. Jim’s legacy in the caregiving profession is one of compassion and unwavering dedication.
Those who knew Jim best will remember him for his profound love of music, with bands like Journey and The Eagles often providing the soundtrack to gatherings of family and friends. An avid animal lover, Jim cared for his cherished pets Buffy, Spotter, and Shady with the same nurturing spirit he showed to all living things. His passion for animals was matched only by his love for travel, which was kindled in his youth. As a boy, Jim embraced the values of the Scouts and achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, an early testament to his determination and leadership.
Jim’s life was rich with interests and hobbies. He was a collector at heart, with a particular fondness for rocks and stamps, each piece a small testament to the places he’d been and the memories he’d made. Fine dining was another of Jim’s pleasures, and he relished the opportunity to share a meal and conversation with those he held dear.
Jim’s life story is one of unwavering kindness and an enduring spirit that inspired courage in others. As we bid farewell to a soul who walked this earth with gentleness and grace, we celebrate the lasting impact he made on the hearts and lives of those he encountered. Though he has departed from this world, the echoes of his loving nature will resonate for generations to come.
Above all, Jim will be remembered as a loving, courageous, and gentle man. His presence was a source of comfort, and his demeanor a model of kindness. Survived by his brother-in-law, Roger Lenehan of New Hampton, Iowa, and his lifelong friend Jay (Daniel Venker) Tatro of Des Moines, Iowa; sister, Karen Karim of Carroll, Iowa, along with his nieces and nephews—Nadine Lehehan, Sultan (Becki) Karim, Rahamat (Jake) Owen, Parveen Karim, Shiraz Karim, Javad Karim, and Cyrus Karim—will hold dear the memories of their beloved uncle.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edith Lenehan; and nephew, Aslam Karim.
Source: Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home database
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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