James "Mike" Oberlies

James M. “Mike” Oberlies, Sr., of Kiln and Gulfport, Mississippi died peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 78 on July 30, 2018 from health related complications in Memorial Hospital of Gulfport. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 41 years Anne Reedy Oberlies. He is survived by his brother Karl B.Oberlies and his wife Ranell R. Oberlies, son James M. Oberlies, Jr. and his wife Patricia Oberlies, his daughter Michelle “Shellie” Moise and former son-in-law John Moise, his grandchildren Nadia Anne Moise and Isabella Rose Oberlies and his great grandson Carson Reed Davis and his cherished companion Phyllis Sanders. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, community and all who were blessed to have known him. As a youth, Mike attended St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis and graduated in 1957 from the original St. John High School in Gulfport, Mississippi. Early in youth, Mike received numerous awards in music, business studies and sports. He attended Perkinston Jr. College and later enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Norfolk and served aboard the USS Rich DDE-820 Destroyer Escort in the North Atlantic. He weaved his love and passion for music, into his shore leaves, playing the tenor and baritone saxophone in bands throughout Virginia Beach. After his tour of duty, he returned to his civilian life working with his father and mother, E.K. “Erwin” and Ida Oberlies, in the Oberlies Record Shop located in downtown Gulfport. He sold 33 and 45 RPM records, record players, radios, stereos and color televisions. His father sold the first color television in the state of Mississippi. Mike became general manager and sales promoter which lead to the expansion of the 2114 Pass Road, Gulfport store. From the 60’s through the year 2000, the store and Mike personally became infamous for the unique and comical commercials promoting furniture and appliances. He retired from the family business in 2000 and was active in real estate as an agent for Coldwell Banker Alfonso in the Hancock and Harrison Counties. A few of his interests and accomplishments included playing golf and tennis in his early years, deep sea fishing, an avid music connoisseur and enthusiast, playing bourre’e, spending time with friends and family, hosting his Beer, Brats and Blues group and taking in the beautiful sunsets on the Jordan River. He was instrumental in forming the Mississippi Gulf Coast Ski Club in the early 60’s, was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a longtime member of the Gulfport Yacht club. Mike was a former member of the Great Southern Golf Club in Gulfport and had the honor and privilege (through various business connections) to play golf with Ernest Borgnine, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Closest to his heart, he was a member of Most Holy Trinity Church in Pass Christian. Mike enjoyed life and lived each day to the fullest. His passionate and jovial disposition was infectious. He never met a stranger as people were drawn to his larger than life personality. He was a generous beautiful spirit whose presence and light will be deeply missed by all. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church where friends may visit one hour before the service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Building Fund. Donation cards will be available at the time of service.