Jimmy Harold Oppermann Sr., 87, passed away on June 24, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home.
He was born on November 7, 1938, to Bertha Clementine Maddox and Wilhelm August Oppermann.
He married the love of his life, Linda Faye Schulens, on August 24, 1961, in Somerville. Together, they built a life rooted in family and hard work, raising two children.
In his younger years, Jimmy was an avid horseman and cattle roper, skills that reflected both his love for ranching and the grit he carried throughout his life.
He went on to spend his entire life as a rancher and cattleman, dedicating himself to the land and livestock he loved, working side by side with his wife and son for many years.
He took great pride in his work ethic, always finding something that needed to be done, wheth feeding and working cattle, checking fences, spraying mesquite or cutting hay. If it needed doing, Jimmy was already doing it.
A man of routine and simple pleasures, Jimmy was an avid coffee drinker who rarely missed his daily schedule. He often began his day at 5:00 a.m., many times beating the workers to his favorite spot, Neinast by 6:00 a.m. It got to the point that he would sit and wait in the parking lot so long, and made sure to let folks know about it, that he was eventually given his own key. On numerous occasions, he went ahead and opened the shop himself.
His afternoons were spent watching his soap operas, followed by his favorite tradition, heading back to Neinast at 3:00 p.m. to drink coffee and visit with friends, often waiting for his wife to finish her errands and pick up their two grandchildren.
He also enjoyed attending the county sale barn and equipment auctions, often much to the dismay of his son and grandson.
Though he was not a man of many words, his quiet nature spoke volumes. A nod or a gruff “hmm” was all the approval you needed to know you were doing things right in his book.
While he could be reserved, his love for his family was unmistakable.
His grandchildren were the apple of his eye, followed closely by his great-grandchildren. He faithfully attended every event they were involved in, never missing a moment of their lives.
In his later years, Jimmy was lovingly and faithfully cared for by his two children as his health declined.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda Faye Oppermann; his sister, Ruby Joyce and her husband, Norman Toellner; his brother, Billie Gene Oppermann; his brother-inlaw, Wilbur Richter; and infant sister.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Ann and Frank Maldonado Jr.; his son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy Harold “Jay” and Janet Oppermann Jr.; and his sister, Connie Richter. He is also survived by his grandson and his wife, Kyle Holden and Megan Maldonado; his granddaughter, Morgan LeAnn Maldonado; and his great-grandchildren, Sage Amelia, Rowan Faye, and Kyson Bayne Maldonado, all of Somerville; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Jimmy will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his quiet strength, and the deep love he had for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A graveside memorial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in Somerville on July 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Acara Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Acara Hospice in Jimmy’s name.