James M. Obergfell
December 26, 1950 ~ July 14, 2021
James M. Obergfell, 70, a lifelong Indianapolis resident, passed away July 14, 2021, after suffering an acute heart attack, followed by a brief hospitalization. Jim was born December 26, 1950, to the late Norman and Joan (Patrick) Obergfell. His mother died at a young age, and the family was blessed by being blended with the Wilson family when Norm wed Peg Wilson in 1964. In true Brady Bunch fashion, each brought 5 children to the marriage, making a total of ten kids in the Obergfell/Wilson family.
Survivors include his only child, Anna (Clark) Kirkman; grandsons, Gabriel and Quinn; former spouse Nancy Lorenzano; siblings, Joseph (Fay) Obergfell, Dolores Obergfell, Dennis (Barb) Obergfell and Mary Jo Baecher-Kennelly, David (Sherlee) Wilson, Donald Wilson, Michael (Karen) Wilson, Bob Wilson, brother-in-law Bob Nester; a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Nester and sister-in-law Linda Wilson.
Jim attended St. Philip Neri Catholic School and graduated from Scecina Memorial High School in 1969. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1978. Jim taught, mentored, counseled and nurtured thousands of young people as the senior religion teacher at Cathedral High School, a position he held from 1978-2009. Father Kelley personally hired Jim, a memory Jim was fond of sharing. From a humble classroom (that had a chalkboard and no air conditioning for many years), Room 208, Jim shaped the minds, hearts, and souls of his students. It was in this sacred space that he gave himself completely to students, families and fellow educators. It was a calling for him to teach about social justice, death and dying, love, war and peace. During his time at Cathedral, he was elected by the students to offer the commencement address six times, and he became an honorary graduate of Cathedral High School alongside the class of 1992. He was inducted into Cathedral’s Circle of Excellence with the inaugural class in 2019 in recognition of his selfless and enduring contributions.
Jim later worked for the Riley Children’s Foundation for 10 years and served as the Executive Director at the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. He was recognized for his hard work, wisdom, and diligence in leading the effort to construct the Billie Lou Wood Visitor Center adjacent to the Museum Home. This second career was a perfect fit for Jim in his beloved Lockerbie neighborhood, where he and Nancy renovated an 1880s home at 413 N. Park and pioneered downtown living. They worked alongside friends, family, and students to restore the cottage, and Jim resided there for 35 years.
Above all, Jim was a loving husband, father, and an incredibly proud grandfather. With the arrival of Anna and Clark’s children, Gabriel James and Quinn Patrick, Jim’s eyes twinkled like never before. Both bearing names that had a special connection to Jim, the boys were bonded to their grandpa from day one. Quinn looks so much like Jim did as a child, and Gabe has the natural athleticism that Jim had as a young boy. He loved them so deeply and will continue watching over them.
He was a scholar, a poet and author, a historian, and voracious reader. He loved his music, was meticulous about the Lockerbie garden, and was always up for a drive to Brown County, especially in the fall. He never turned down an opportunity to visit the University of Notre Dame or cheer for the New York Yankees. Even after retirement, he stayed connected to former students and their families, always taking a sincere interest in their lives and well-being, and we are so blessed that he shared his many gifts with us.
Jim’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Monday, July 19, 2021, 4 to 8 p.m., in the Welch Activity Center at Cathedral High School 5225 E. 56th Street. Additional visitation will be Tuesday, July 20, 2021, 9 to 10 a.m., in SS Peter & Paul Cathedral, 1347 N. Meridian St. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m., with burial following is St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Neri Catholic School, Cathedral High School or to the Riley Children’s Foundation. O’Riley Funeral Home is serving the family. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
Non-vaccinated guests are kindly asked to wear masks for the safety of everyone.
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I am overwhelmed with sadness over having to say goodbye to you, Mr. Jim Obergfell. You have been a constant presence in my life and a dear friend to me since I was 18. Your friendship over the past 30 years has meant the world to me. I cannot even imagine a Cathedral function happening without you there….it just won’t be the same. You taught me so much as a high school senior, things I’ll never forget about Death and Dying, faith and relationships. You made all of us kids feel like you truly wanted to hear what we had to say. You were the most wonderful teacher! People I met later in life were always so surprised that I had not only kept in touch with a former teacher but got together for dinner or coffee to catch up with you when possible. And most of my former classmates could same the same thing. To have truly made an impact on this many people is a real gift and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being in my life. I am trying to find some peace in knowing you are finally pain free, but I already miss you. Much love, Kathleen Bigelow
With loving memories of Mr. Obergfell
I remember Jim from grade school at SPN and Scecina Memorial High School. Unfortunately, I have not kept in touch with many former classmates. I was sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I have always considered Jim to be an incredible person and had wished in these later years, that I could have kept in with him. May God bless you!
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Anna, Jim’s precious grandsons and all who adored and loved him. Jim truly was a SAINT among us and he will be deeply missed by all the many lives he touched. I will forever be grateful for his friendship. On a lighter note, I did have the honor of taking Jim about 5 years ago to the Golden Ace for his first cheeseburger there….could not believe he had never had one !
Mr. O, thank you. Your class lessons were enduring, especially now with my own twin girls – Margot & Quinn. I’m so glad you got to meet your Quinn
I only knew Jim from the time of his tenure at the Riley Museum Home in Lockerbie, but soon became aware of his amazing career at Cathedral High School, where he was deeply loved by students, staff, and faculty. He was equally loved at the Riley Museum Home in Lockerbie where he administered the Home for 10 years. I will always remember his kindness and his generous spirit. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jim Bishop
Anna, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear dad. He touched the lives of so many. Sending lots of love and prayers to your family.
May passing time, caring friends and loving memories, work gently through the coming days to help comfort his family.
We are thinking of you and your family, Anna. Sending you love and light.
To Jim’s Family: Though I didn’t know Jim personally, I knew the older sibs, all the Wilson clan, and many of Jim’s Patrick relatives as they were all interlaced with my mom’s family, the Pfaus. However, I have always felt I knew Jim through an article he wrote for the Criterion titled “Growing Up in St. Philip Neri Parish”. I have cherished that article for many years, and made multiple copies since I have given so many to others who might not have seen it when it was first published. When you have a common experience like SPN, you do “know” others with the same experience, even though you may not have met them. I have fond memories of Joan Obergfell standing on her porch most days at noon and final dismissal, watching the students running out the front playground gate. Joan calmly directed those attempting to cross in the middle of the busy block on Rural Street to the traffic lights at either end of the block. I suspect she saved many youngsters from being injured by passing cars. That is just the type of love and caring that came from this wonderful family. No wonder Jim could write such a beautiful article about his memories and experiences. May all of your memories and experiences with Jim sustain you now and in coming days. Maribeth (Taylor)Ransel, SPN ’57
Your father, brother, uncle and grandpa was one of the very best humans that God ever placed on Earth. I hope and pray he knew the impact he had on each of us, his students, who hung onto his every word, and felt so very special in his presence. He always made me feel like the most important person in the world. He continued to do so throughout his life. He was born to do all that he did, and used to the fullest, every gift God gave him. His legacy will live on in each of us. I pray for his entire family,and wish them peace and solace in their memories.
Anna, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mr Obergfell meant the world to me. At Cathedral, when I didn’t feel like many of the adults around listened or wanted to hear what I had to say, Mr Obergfell did. We discussed religion and he constantly challenged my beliefs. He was a safe haven for me when times at home were tough. Sending so much love to his family and all of his friends and vast community in this time of loss.
I would like to share my deepest condolences to Anna, and Jim’s entire family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was one of the most important and impactful people of my teenage years, when I needed some wise guidance. He taught and really made sure that I understood Steven Covey’s, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which I still refer to in my adult years. It changed my way of thinking for the better and put me on a path to be successful in business, but more importantly in life. His lessons on death and dying have helped me get through a loss of a child, my Father, multiple friends, and Grandparents. He personally helped me form an understanding of death, dying, and always let me form my own beliefs on the afterlife. I will continue to share the philosophy he instilled in me to help others. What a true friend and mentor he was. His legacy and impact is so profound and I hope the scale of his influence helps you find peace and comfort during this painful time. He was a Godsend to so many and he will be missed dearly. Until we meet again, Jim, rest in peace and know how much you were loved.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lit a candle in memory of James M. Obergfell
I send my deepest sympathy to Anna, Dennis, and all of Jim’s loving family. I have known Jim since Scecina days and he became a dear friend. What an amazing man!! We will all miss him so very much.
Jim, you were already an angel among us. My sons and I regard you with the highest respect and admiration. And now we honor the gifts you shared and send our sincere sympathy to your loving friends and family. Kathy, Mike and Pat Boyle.
I am deeply saddened for our shared loss. Jim was a talented, inspiring leader who impacted the lives of so, so many. In recent years, he and I re-established contact and though we were separated my 000’s of miles, we didn’t skip a beat. He was, as always, more interested in listening and supporting, than in sharing his own stories. Truly a gift to us all, he will be missed. Mike Healy ‘80
Jim was a wonderful man. We are so sorry and are here for you all.
Anna, Clark, Gabe & Quinn- We are so sorry for your loss. Sending you love today, and every day. Love, Jacquie & Erin & our families
Anna and Family, we send our deepest condolences and prayers. Hugs and love from the Reinoso Family!
Dear Anna and Family, So sorry to hear about your dad. We have wonderful memories of your family especially at Christmas meeting up at Dennis & Barbara’s house. Your dad’s smiling face, rosy cheeks from walking over. Take care of yourselves ❣️ Love you all! Jane and Chris Walden
Sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. We reconnected recently after the Holy Spirit days years ago. He was always very nice to me. You were very lucky to have him in your lives. Gary Walker. New Mexico.
From the Collet family to the Obergfell family, we will always remember Jim for his caring and compassionate leadership at CHS. As with most of the faculty, he was a “big tent” Catholic. He definitely stands out in the Cathedral heritage. We will always be appreciative of his efforts.
So beautiful and true. One was better for knowing Jim. One was truly blessed to have been able to csll him a friend.
So beautiful and true. One was better for knowing Jim. One was truly blest to be able to call him a friend, and he was such a friend to so many.
Jim has been an important person in my life since I was a student. Since graduating from Cathedral, he became a family friend and we remained in touch, even after I left Indy. He was the most hopeful person I knew, even in the face of divisive politics, increasing violence, and racial division. I last saw my friend in August 2019, at the home of a childhood friend and his wife. Several of us, all Cathedral grads, spent an afternoon with Jim sharing stories and catching up after several years of not seeing each other. It was a privilege to be Jim’s student and friend for more than 40 years. Rest in peace.
Jim was indeed a wonderful and special person. He touched so many lives. His obituary is so touching and reminds us of all his contributions to so many lives. HIs beautiful spirit will be missed by all. With love, Susie Werner
Thank you for your kindness, wit and knowledge. The world is a more generous place because you were here.
Anna – I just learned of your father’s passing in the Cathedral Highlights. I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was the most impactful teacher I had in my entire educational career. The topics he taught us and the way that he taught us formed my heart and soul in deep and lasting ways. My folder from his class on “Death and Dying” is the only thing I have kept from all of my years in school. His gentleness and genuine kindness were a place of refuge for all of his students, especially for me. I loved him, was and am grateful for him and knew what a gift I had received in having him as a teacher even when I was in his class and certainly in the years to follow. May he continue to watch over you and your family and all of his Cathedral High School family. (He has thousands of spiritual “sons and daughters” from his years at Cathedral!) You and your family will remain close in my prayers. – Sr. Maria Anne Michela, SV (Jennifer Takach ’99)