James David Oberkirsch

SSG (Retired) James D. Oberkirsch
Greenville, SC

Staff Sargent (Retired) James David Oberkirsch, 54, of Avice Dale Drive, husband of Phuong Nguyen Oberkirsch, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2017.

Born in France, on June 23, 1962, he was the son of James Francis Oberkirsch of Midwest City, OK and Judith Hall Thompson of Springville, TN.

SSG Oberkirsch was retired from the US Army after 21 Years of dedicated service to his country. He was injured during Operation Enduring Freedom, in Iraq, where he received the Purple Heart for his bravery. Several other awards he received included, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (5th Medal), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (A.P. Murrah Bombing), Armed Forces Reserve Medal 1st Hourglass Device and Mobilization Device), Noncommissioned Officers professional Development, Ribbon (Basic Level), Army Service Ribbon, 9MM Pistol Expert Qualification Badge and M16 Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification Badge.

Following his military career, SSG Oberkirsch begin a career in Law Enforcement. He was a Fugitive Apprehension Officer in Oklahoma, an officer with the Oklahoma City Housing Authority during which he worked the Oklahoma City Bombing of the A.P. Murrah Federal Building, and was also the Police Chief of Beaver, OK. He moved to Greenville, SC and started his business, James Gunsmithing, where he hand built firearms and also taught conceal weapon classes. He was a Free Mason of the Brandon Lodge #279 A.F.M.

In addition to his wife and parents, SSG Oberkirsch is survived by a daughter, Anya Lee Oberkirsch of Bowling Green, OH; two grandchildren, Garrett Turner and Saxon Burgy; two step daughters, Chazey and Krystel Phillips both of Keyes, OK; two sisters, Kimberly D.H. Oberkirsch of Augusta, GA and Heidi L. Oberkirsch of McKenzie, TN; three brothers, Heinrich W. Oberkirsch of Smyrna, TN, William J. Oberkirsch of Sanford, NC and Jurgen P. Oberkirsch of Killeen, TX; and a special friend, James Robinson.

The family will visit with friends and family on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 12:30 PM until 1:45 PM at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with full military honors. A reception will be held immediately following the service at South & West, directly across from the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Rd, Greenville, SC 29607.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.