Our Roots Run Deep

Oxford Automotive was founded in 1979 to provide honest solutions in automotive repair. James Church, owner, joined his father in 1991 and continues to hire skilled technicians that find honest solutions for your repair needs. James is an ASE Master certified in all eight areas of technician competence. He has an L1 advanced engine performance certification as well.

Our Philosophy

Simple, communication throughout the process. Your mechanic will let you know what services your vehicle needs to be reliable and in good running order. We always give you the estimated cost of the work before it is performed, along with a report on the potential variables that could be outside of our control during the repair, so you can make informed decisions about investing in your vehicle service.

Our Roots

Richard and Nancy Church bought the 55-acre farm located at 5339 Maloney Road, three miles south of Ashley in 1960, moving their family to the farm in 1965, from Marion, Ohio. Richard farmed and did car repair work on the side for neighbors and friends until 1979 when he retired from farming and started repairing cars full-time. He named the business Oxford Automotive after Oxford Township in which the business resides. With six children still at home, Richard worked hard at fixing whatever a customer needed done, whether it was a lawn mower, full size farm tractor, body work, welding, or mechanical automotive repair. He earned the trust of his customers by fixing the problem (working usually by himself) no matter how much effort it took. Working out of one service bay, he worked long hours and allowed his “tag along” 5-year-old son, James, to watch and play in his own little shop up over Dad’s office. Richard worked the business for twenty-one years, supporting his wife and family, seven children in all, and built a reputation as a hardworking, honest businessman. His son James who had worked with him for nine years took over ownership of the business in January of 2000 when Richard was ready to retire. Richard and Nancy Church still live on the property.

From Father to Son

James' nine years of working with his father started upon his graduation from Buckeye Valley High School in 1991. The years that James spent working together with his father are some of the best and most meaningful times of his life. Learning a trade skill, as well as lessons about life, were invaluable as James got to know his father better and was able to learn from his experience. In 1996, James earned his Master Automobile Technician Certification through ASE. In his years at Oxford Automotive, James continues to obtain valuable outside training to stay up-to-date on all of the new technology required for success in the automotive repair industry. James married Rachel in 1997, and God has blessed their family with nine children.