The clinic started in 1993. Two years earlier, Jim was the one who launched the idea to community members and fellow medical professionals. “I think it was really his inspiration that sparked inspiration in our whole community for starting a clinic,” says Dr. Karen Wyatt, medical director at the clinic. Since its beginning, Jim has willingly volunteered there, often after a full day at the office, says Karen. “If I had 4 clinics I couldn’t fill in a month, I’d call, and he’d take all four of them. It’s always as if we’re doing him a favor by inviting him to come and volunteer for us.”

The time Jim gives to the clinic is significant, yet it is just one of the many ways Jim gives back to the community. Jim is the Medical Director of Bristlecone Hospice and Home Health Care, a volunteer position. He gives free school physicals to people in need. He has built homes in Mexico. On top of all that, Jim has run ultra-marathons, and raised money for ovarian cancer and Bristlecone in doing one of them.

Dr. Oberheide also took the time to become certified to give the special physicals required for legal immigrants in Summit County to get their green cards. He then gives the physicals free of charge. “If you go to Denver, you’re going to spend 335 to 545 dollars, and he does that for free,” says Omar Niang, a leader in community of West Africans who have moved to Summit County.

     “My dream is that someday there won’t be a need for a community care clinic. Everyone will be on an even playing ground as far as access to health care,” Jim says.

     What is Jim most known for by the people he’s touched? His humility. Jim doesn’t feel he’s done much for people. “It doesn’t feel like a sacrifice to him, and it doesn’t feel like anything out of the ordinary because he’s just being himself,” Karen says.