Jul 17, 1948 — Aug 2, 2026
It is with heavy hearts we announce the gentle passing of a kind and Jolly man… James Lewis Hollberg, sr. of Enid, OK, Born July, 1948. James, a gulf war veteran hailed from family patriarch Heinrich Holbach, a Civil War Veteran. James lived a true life of adventure and travel including England, Germany, South Korea and beyond.
He was born in Columbus OH an only child to John Francis Hollberg and Rose Marie Hollberg (Nee Moore), whom proceeded him in death. He graduated from Linden McKinley High school, Columbus and bought his beloved 1966 Lime gold Ford Mustang. From there he had a brief stint at Ohio State University and finished up his B.S. in Business Administration at Franklin University and later a MBA from Troy State University. After purchasing his first house costing a mere $3000, a little bird told him he was “top of the list” to be drafted into the Army during Vietnam. So, he promptly joined the Air Force. He spent 20 years in the military as a radar controller at Osan Air Base, Korea and flying various jets from the T38 to the F4 and culminating in the A10. During Desert Storm, he served in a supporting roll of tasking the A-10 sorties. From his 43rd till his 70th year, he taught as a Simulator Instructor at Vance AFB for countless T38 students. He spent his golden years very happily with his wife, where they often enjoyed ‘going where the wind blew them’ in their RV. James was always there for anyone who needed him and was especially treasured by Teenagers and young adults.
He leaves behind his English wife of 4 decades, Ines Verena Hollberg, (March 1960), whom he successfully wooed in Germany. Ines was the love of his life.
He is also survived by his children: Tami S. (August 1969) of Nashville, Tennessee; Amy L. (November 1970) of Indiana; James Lewis Jr. (July 1974) of Washington; Summer Elizabeth (July 1976) of Enid, Oklahoma; Clare Verena (December 1988) and her husband Blake of Greenville, South Carolina; and his youngest daughter Devon Marie (May 1990) of Stillwater, Oklahoma.
He was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren and further blessed with six great-grandchildren.
His family was a source of great pride, and he treasured any time he spent with them. His legacy will be carried on by his large family, who always came first. His perpetual laughter will ring forever in all our hearts along with his amazing stories, which always found a way to impart some life wisdom.
Hear’s to James, a brilliant, loving Son, Father and husband.
Funeral arrangements are by Henninger Hinson. Funeral mass will be held at St. Greogory the Great Catholic Church at a later date ………..followed be the internment of his ashes at Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family asks in lieu of flowers donations can be made in his James’s name to Tunnels to Towers.
