James Andrew Oppermann's Obituary
James Andrew Oppermann, 77, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away on June 17, 2026, at The Inn at Bear Trail in Lewis Center, OH. Jim was born in San Francisco, California and moved to Ohio in 1992.
Jim graduated from St. Mary's College, Moraga, CA. continuing his education graduating with a Masters from the University of San Francisco. He did a year of volunteer service helping build communities for youth around the world. Along with being a bank auditor, Jim was an airline supervisor, and finally settled into teaching business aviation at The Ohio State University. Jim's retirement job was driving the train at the Columbus Zoo.
Always active and exploring new things, Jim loved to travel the world. He rode a motorcycle, was a private pilot, scuba diver, umpire, senior softball player and swim instructor to name a few. A dear friend said, "Jim was a wonderful soul, always with a twinkle in his eye, a joke and a smile."
Jim is survived by his dear wife, Sandy, of 54 years and son, John (Jean); son-in-law, Casey Wright; brothers Bil (Jan) and Tom (MaryKay) Wilcock; niece AnneMarie Wannamaker (Joe and daughter Dorothy); and David Solochek. He was a proud grandpa to Max, Hallie, Oscar and Gracie. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Maggie Oppermann; daughter, Kathryn (Wright); brothers Tom (Oppermann) and John (Wilcock) and stepfather Bill Wilcock.
"Sweet Celebration of Life" will be held July 18, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High Street, Worthington, OH 43081. In lieu of flowers, his family asks donations be made in his name to WOSU or NPR.
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