James A. Offenburger

James A. Offenburger, 88, died early Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at home, under the care of SouthernCare Hospice.

He was born October 18, 1936 in Columbus Ohio to the late Martin Sr. and Jennie (Andreoni) Offenburger. After attending Columbus Schools and Linden-McKinley High School, Jim joined the US Air Force from 1957-1961 and was stationed in Spain for most his service. When he returned, he began dating a coworker named Sandra Puckett whom he married on February 14, 1964.

In 1966 they had a son John, and in 1970 they had a daughter Michelle, and in 1972 they sold their home in Columbus, and purchased a small farm in Centerburg Ohio where they raised their family.

In 1964 Jim took a position with The Timken Company at the Fifth Avenue plant in Columbus Ohio, and soon after began an apprenticeship as a machinist where he quickly became a supervisor in the maintenance department. Jim was well known for being able to fix anything and won several awards within The Timken Company for his recommendations. When Timken closed their Columbus operations, Jim accepted a position in Bucyrus Ohio plant, and purchased a home with an apple orchard, and settled into life in the Crawford County area.

Jim was a homebody who enjoyed playing cards, gardening and messing around in his garage. Time with his grandchildren brought him particular joy and he kept in touch with friends from his childhood and working years. When not at work, he liked to work some more, tending to his home and the trees of Offenburger Orchard which offered customers the opportunity to pick their own produce. He was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Aladdin Shrine. At home, he picked at his guitar on occasion and usually had old western shows like Gunsmoke and The Rifleman, as well as Fox News, or a card tournament on the television.

Jim is survived by his bride of 60 years, Sandy Offenburger; son, John (wife Danita) Offenburger; and grandsons, Nicolas Offenburger (fiancée Julia Gibson), Jacob Offenburger, Garrett Offenburger, and Brandon Hines.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by daughter, Michelle Lynn Hines; sister, Rose Ann Shaw; and brother, Martin Offenburger Jr.

All services will be held on Friday, September 19 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends from 1:30-2:55 pm and the funeral will begin at 3:00 pm with Pastor Larry Oxendine officiating. Burial will follow in Whetstone Cemetery with military rites by the US Air Force Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to SouthernCare Hospice and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared in the guestbook on Jim’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.