James Charles O'Kins

Obituary for James Charles O’Kins

May 16, 1965 - March 12, 2024 (age 58)

James went home to be with the Lord and Savior last Tuesday, March 12, at 11:46 am EST.

Beloved son of Charles Eugene and Charlyn Jean Ogle, he was born on May 16, 1965, in Livermore, California. He was a wonderful and loving husband to Amy Lea Dabao for twenty-seven years, a great father to his children Jon Marc and Eric Gabriel, a wonderful brother to his siblings Tricia (Ken) and Shannon (Ali), and always a supportive uncle and friend to his many nephews, nieces and in-laws. James’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to have known him. His journey with us on this earth seemed short and yet a successful one. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University in Chico, had a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station, and was a Quality Assurance/RAM graduate from the School of Engineering and Logistics in Red River Army Depot, TX. He spent the next thirty-one years with the Department of the Army doing multibody modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, contract and program management before retiring last February 29th, 2024. He gave his best in service to the Army and the soldiers, for which he was proud of.

Outside of work, James was a pro in the kitchen and was very passionate about cooking, grilling and smoking meat. He was an excellent chef who loved to host special occasion parties at home for friends and family, serving anything from breakfast items to main entrees to desserts you crave for. Think of crepes, Dutch baby, stuffed mushrooms, seven-layer dip, smoked baby back ribs, chicken marsala, tiramisu and crème brulee to name a few. He had a dry sense of humor and never failed to share his skills, knowledge and opinion with family and friends whether it was about cooking, politics or any topic worth discussing.

As we gather to honor and celebrate James’s life, we invite you to join us at a visitation and a memorial mass. The visitation will be held on March 22, 2024, from 5-8 pm at Wessels & Wilk Funeral Home. The memorial mass will be Saturday, March 23rd at St. Owen Catholic Church in West Bloomfield. Visitation will be from 10:00 am-until just prior to the mass at 11:00 am. He will be missed dearly and will live within us forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Owen Catholic Church in his memory.

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