James S. Koerner Jr.

James S. Koerner Jr., a resident of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, peacefully departed from this world on August 3, 2025 after a long courageous battle with heart disease. Jim was born in 1946 to James S. and Mary Koerner. He is survived by his siblings, Debra (Mike) Gerondale, Douglas Allen (Lisa) Koerner and Lisa Marie (Donald) Schryock. In Jim's first marriage to Sharon M. (Stelloh) Koerner, he was blessed with four children, Monte Aaron Koerner, Shenlee-Rae B Sires, Ethan James Koerner (deceased), and Andrea M. Koerner. In Jim's second marriage he was a loving and caring partner to Diane M. (Hodges) Koerner who also blessed him with two children, Severin J. Koerner and Ashley M. Koerner. Jim's legacy also lives on through ten grandchildren. His journey began after graduating from West De Pere High School, he dedicated six years of service on active duty in the Army, attaining the highest rank of Captain. Jim held significant positions including Brigade Provost Marshal with the American Division, Republic of Viet Nam and Deputy Provost Marshal, Ft. Rucker, Alabama. He furthered military education and became helicopter pilot, a role that became a true passion. Upon returning to Oshkosh, Jim continued his service in the Reserves and National Guard while pursuing education at the University of Oshkosh. Simultaneously, he ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his own successful Security Business. Transitioning to the National Guard, Jim took a voluntary reduction in rank to CW2 to continue his love for flying. Ultimately he attained the rank of CW4, Master Aviator and instructor pilot in the AH1 Cobra. On the home front, his business thrived eventually changing hands to new owners. All of those who knew Jim, he was a man adorned with numerous talents. Ambitious, caring, confident, empathetic, intelligent, loyal, resourceful and trustworthy-the qualities defined him. A builder at heart, he valued hard work, honesty and the importance of one's word. As a father, he balanced love with fairness, instilling his values and emphasizing the significance of higher education. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Jim on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11 am in St. Raphael Catholic Church, 830 S. Westhaven Drive in Oshkosh with the Rev. Tom Long as celebrant. A time of visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am until the time of Mass. Burial with full military honors will be in King National Veterans Cemetery in King, WI on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 11 am. Despite a failing heart taking him away, Jim's loving heart leaves a lasting beacon for those who knew him. Jim's journey now is to meet his Lord, God. In his parting words, "Now that my work is over, my guns have cooled, it is time to R.T.B. (return to base), it's Miller Time!" Now I wish you all to go and celebrate, keep your memory of me in your heart. I will see you in the next world. God Bless You All. In lieu of floral expressions, memorials in Jim's name may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Organization or to the Gary Sinise Foundation. The family wishes special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac and also for the incredible love and care that he received at Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac.

James S. Koerner Jr.

April 23, 1946 - August 3, 2025

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