James L. Oberlander, 98, of Tiffin, passed away on Wednesday, June 04, 2025 at The Willows At Tiffin.

He was born on Jun 01, 1927, in Canton, Ohio, to Gorman and Beulah (Snavely) Oberlander.  On August 07, 1948, he married E. Cedella Kaiser and she preceded him in death on June 01, 2022.

Survivors include his sons, James M. (Bonnie) Oberlander of Tiffin and Dr. Richard D. (Betty) Oberlander of Pickerington; daughters, Carol (David) Pagnard of Indianapolis and Marilyn Bentz of Gahanna; daughter-in-law, Janeen Oberlander of New Knoxville; 13 grandchildren, Sheri, Lori, Tiffany, Krista, Jason, Greg, Megan, Hannah, Ashley, Landon, Tyler, Matthew and Kiley; 22 great grandchildren; and 3 great, great grandchildren; and sister, Irene Housley.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, D. Edwin Oberlander; and sister, Jane Clabaugh

Jim was a graduate of Upper Sandusky High School and Ashland College.   He served in the United States Army during WWII.   Jim loved sports.  He tried out and was offered a contract with the Chicago Cubs.  He was then called to the Army and never got to fulfill that dream.  He coached football and baseball in his early years and was a referee for basketball and football for 45 years. He retired at the age of 75 after working a state final football game.  He was inducted into the OHSAA Official's Hall of Fame in 1990.

His teaching career started at the Mansfield Reformatory.  He then taught at Loudenville, Bucyrus and Tiffin City Schools.  Many knew him from behind the wheel as he taught driver's education first through school and then privately.

Jim liked to play golf, enjoyed model railroading and collecting die cast trucks and matchbox cars.  Jim and Cedella enjoyed traveling, especially bus trips to Branson, MO and mystery tours.  They loved the Alaskan cruise.  Jim was a devout Christian and was a member of Family of Faith Church.

His Funeral Service will be at 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424 with Rev. Doug DeVos officiating.   Burial will follow in Seneca Memory Gardens with Military Honors being conducted by the United Veterans Council.

Friends may visit with the family from 11:30 A.M. until the time of the Service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Willows for their compassionate care, Stein Hospice for their support, and Rev. Doug DeVos for his visitations, guidance and kindness during this time.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.