James "Jim" D. Oelschlager

James D. Oelschlager, of Bath, passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2024. He was 81.

A 55-year resident of the Akron area, Jim was deeply engaged in community life, most notably as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and friend. He was beloved by all who knew him for his incredible generosity, optimism, creativity, and sense of humor.

Born October 3, 1942, Jim grew up in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Bay Village. As a boy, he built the largest paper route in his area and began investing his earnings in stocks. This would lead to a lifelong passion for investing. At Mt. Lebanon High, he earned his Eagle Scout, played trombone in the Rose Parade in California, and ran on a state championship relay team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Denison University in 1964. He earned a law degree from Northwestern in 1967, but his legal career was short lived. An opportunity to manage Firestone’s pension fund led him to Akron and to a long career in money management.

Jim founded investment firm Oak Associates in 1985 and garnered many accolades and national recognition for his investment success. Jim took an unconventional approach to management and client relations. He treated all clients equally, regardless of account size. He compensated his “Oakies” generously, and allowed them great flexibility to take time away from work.

Jim lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 51 years, and was confined to a wheelchair for most of that time. He never let his disease alter his positive outlook, even as it progressed over time. He used it as an opportunity to find ways to support others with MS. For years, he and his first wife Jo Ann hosted large annual family picnics and theater outings for MS patients and their families.

In 2000, Jim and his wife Vanita founded the non-profit Oak Clinic for MS, in Green, which provides a wide range of care and services to MS patients and their families. At present, Oak Clinic treats 2,300 patients.

Jim and Vanita loved nature and the outdoors, and they were happiest at Oak Lodge, their beloved weekend home in Pennsylvania. There, Jim drove John Deere Gators on miles of trails, oversaw production of thousands of gallons of maple syrup, hosted family reunions, and hosted his children’s weddings. He later turned the property into a bed & breakfast and top-rated wedding venue with full-time staff.

Jim was a student of history and enjoyed following the political scene. For his clients, Jim hosted luncheons in Akron that featured world leaders as speakers. Speakers included Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev, Colin Powell, and others.

His interest in Native American art and artifacts led to a large collection that now resides at the University of Akron.

Despite his talents, Jim’s grades in high school were mediocre. This influenced him to establish a leadership camp at the University of Akron, which gave preference to high school students with average to below-average grades. He believed that encouraging these students would bring out their potential, and it did.

Jim also funded the investment portfolios of dozens of universities, mostly in Ohio, which gave students an opportunity to gain real-world experience investing in stocks.

Jim was thrilled that his professional success provided him an opportunity to help others. He leaves a remarkable legacy of giving, with major gifts to Akron Children’s Hospital, University of Akron, Denison University, University of Mount Union, and countless other causes and individuals. In 2016, the Akron Community Foundation awarded Jim and his wife Vanita its prestigious Polsky Award for their humanitarian efforts. In 2004, Jim was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout award, scouting’s highest honor.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gerry Dravo Oelschlager and Walter Oelschlager; and his granddaughter, Evelyn.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Vanita; children Mark (Tina) and Annie (Jonathan); stepdaughters, Meredith and Kristin; sister, Corinne (Howard) Potter; and grandchildren: Andrew, Sage, Annalexis, Vi-Yen, Abigail, Lily, Gretchen, Daphne, Jamie, Cliff, Erin, and Melanie.

The family would like to thank Jim’s longtime caregivers, Angie, Ashley, Brittany, Joann, Kaleigh, Kelsey, Lauren, Linda, Melissa, Michelle, Stacey, Tara, and Tina for their years of dedicated service.

Calling hours 4-7 P.M. FRIDAY October 18 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Memorial Service 2:00 P.M. SATURDAY October 19 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis .

Arrangements entrusted to The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333.