James R. “Jim” Oakes

February 25, 1946 ‒ September 03, 2017

Nashville, Tennessee
Formerly of Chesterville, Ohio

James R. “Jim” Oakes, age 71, passed away Sunday morning, September 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jim was born on February 25, 1946 in Coshocton, OH to the late Gene Oakes and Helen (McKee) Oakes.  He graduated from Warsaw High School in Warsaw, OH.  Jim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from The Ohio State University.

On July 30, 1977 Jim married his wife of 40 years, Tammy (Taylor) Oakes.  Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed playing together on competitive co-ed softball teams and coaching their two daughters in various sports.  Jim spent many years as a high school educator, guidance counselor, and sports coach.

Jim was an active member of his community.  He served as a 4-H extension agent, Chester Township zoning board committee member, assisted with the Chesterville Town Council, was a youth league softball coach, YMCA basketball coach and Sylvan Park Paideia Design Center volunteer.

Jim was known for his patience and helping others.  He never knew a stranger and was an instant friend to all. He liked spending his time reading, playing euchre, meeting friends for a good meal, and keeping up with the latest technology. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan and a fantastic cook. He and his wife spent the last six years living in Nashville, TN where they enjoyed spending time and traveling with their two daughters and grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy; sister, Jeanne Oakes of Dresden, OH; daughters: Brittany(Jimmy) Petty and Kelly (Chris) Diener both of Nashville, TN ; grandson, Louis Petty; three sisters-in law: Deb (Mike) Nulk of Galion, OH, Cindy (Joney) Adkins of Chesterville, OH and Tracey (Gerald) Parks of Cardington, OH; two nephews, Travis and Kyle (Megan); two nieces, Carrie and Chaz; six great nephews; one great niece; and one great-great niece.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, William Taylor; and mother-in-law, Jane Taylor.

His family will greet friends from 4pm – 7pm on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at The Pavilion at Harpeth (9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221) and 1pm-3pm on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel (67 N. Main St., Mt. Gilead, OH  43338).  A service celebrating his life will be held at 3:30pm on September 9, 2017 at Snyder Funeral Home.

Donations may be made in Jim’s honor to the Kidney Cancer Association.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to serve Jim’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.

  • Tammy and girls,
    Praying that God reaches down and wraps His loving arms around you to bring peace to you during this time of sorrow and missing. Hold close memories to your hearts. He is closer now than he could ever have been. Jim (husband and dad) is with you in spirit. Oh, how he loves you.

  • Tammy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, there are no words that anyone can say to ease your pain. Just know that you are in all our thoughts and prayers. Love Charlotte Trowbridge Baker

  • just heard about the passing of jim a few minutes ago. I know that he is walking with jesus as I write this as he was a man of great compassion and caring for not only his wife, children and family but everyone he came into contact with. I am glad I got to know him through the years and he will be missed I know by us and his family. god bless you all in this time of trials.

  • I’m so sorry to hear of Jims passing. Jim was such a sweet man. My thoughts and prayers are with the family!

  • thoughts and prayers for the family. Jim was a great guy and love that I got to know him when he was at cardington. He always had a smile on his face.

  • I am so sorry to hear if your loss. My condolences and prayers for you and your family during this time.

  • Please know that we are thinking of your family! Jim was the counselor at Cardington when Roger started there and he mentored Jenni when she became the counselor. What a wonderful man! He will be missed!
    The Jury’s
    Roger, Jenni, Jordyn & Ried

  • Sincerest sympathies for you Tammy and for the girls. Prayers for all of you in your time of need.

  • Tammy, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Tammy and family, We were saddened to hear about Jim. He was such a wonderful man. May you find peace in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering. May his memory be forever in your hearts.

  • Thinking of you all. I hope you can find piece in the all the memories you have with such a wonderful dad, husband and grandfather. You are in my prayers.

  • Tammy, Brittany and Kelly – I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Lots of love and prayers are being sent your way.

  • Sending prayers to Tammy and the family. Jim is the reason I am a teacher. At a time in my life, when I didn’t think I would be able to attend college, Jim was there to help me…not only with paperwork, but also believing that I could reach my goal of teaching. My love and prayers for comfort during this time of grief.

  • Tammy and family sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I have many great memories of our softball years. Praying for strength and comfort as you go through this . We are in Florida and will not be able to be there.

  • So sorry for your loss! I worked with Jim while he was at Cardington. He was a great friend and co-worker. He never met a stranger! He made the world a better place. He will be missed! Know you are in our thoughts and prayers!

    The Harper Family

  • Tammy and girls: Please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Jim. He was a special person in my life as Highland’s Guidance Counselor. He was a good man who will be missed by many.

  • So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this time and praying God’s blessings on you. He was always willing to help anyone in need and will be greatly missed.

    Judy & Tony DeIuliis

  • So very sorry for your loss, Jim had a positive impact on so many people. Always a smile, hug, or handshake was extended by him every time I saw him. She surely will be missed!

  • William and I were so sad to hear of Jim’s passing.He was a wonderful person . May God Bless you and your girls.

  • Tammy Brittany Kelly and Louis
    Jim will be missed by all of us. He was a great friend. I enjoyed coaching with him. Praying for you hope to see you soon.

  • So sorry for your loss he was a good man! I will never forget the years of him coaching me and taking me to and from the games. Hugs to you all!

  • I’m so sorry for your loss. What a great man! I was a former student at Cardington. Mr. Oaks always had a smile on his face and spoke of his family often. May God immerse you in his presence and provide a comfort that only he can during this difficult time.

  • Tammy my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Jim. He was a great person and a friend to all he met. Prayers to you all for strength and comfort through this very difficult time.

  • Tammy and Girls So sorry for your loss. Will always remember his kind ways and his smile.
    Prayers to you all
    Joe and Jill Erb

  • Dear Tammy, I was so saddened to hear of your Jim’s passing. May the care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace in the coming days. My most sincere sympathies to your family and you. XOXO

  • So sorry for your loss Tammy, Brittany and Kelly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Jim was a wonderful man and he will be missed.

  • We are lifting you all up daily in our prayers. You know we are here for you. Our hearts are saddened, yet know who we have our trust in. We know where our future is. Find peace in knowing. Find comfort in memories and each other. Gene and Kristi

  • Tammy,
    So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. A life over too soon. We will keep good thoughts for you and you family.

    Jeff and Gerry Greenwood

  • Tammy and family. Jim was a wonderful person and we were privileged to know him. Thoughts and prayers.

  • Tammy and girls, you have my deepest sympathy . Jim was so kind and I feel very fortunate to have known him. Thoughts and prayers to all.
    Deb and family

  • So very sorry for your loss he was an incredible man. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  • We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good man always positive and willing to help someone. You and your girls are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.

  • Brittany and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a great man and I will always remember his smile.
    Love you
    Sam

  • Teresa and I were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I knew Jim as my Freshaman BB coach and friend. He was a good coach and educator, and even nicer man. Our Highland Community was lucky to have him. Condolences to Tammy, Brittany, Kelly and the entire family.

  • James and I are truly saddened by this news. Jim was a wonderful neighbor, always had a smile and a good word for everyone. Our hearts go out to the entire Oakes family, but mostly to the women he loved most, Tammy, Brittany, and Kelly. Our heartfelt sympathies and love to you.

  • Tammy, so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

  • Jim was one of my first Morrow County acquaintances— he was at the Extension Office when I started at Community Action. Was always happy to visit with him throughout the years at events with the kids.
    His smile will be missed by many–
    So sad for your loss……

  • Tammy, Nancy and I just heard last night of Jim’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Nancy and I were always impressed with Jim, his love of family, students, sports, his helping nature and genuine friendliness to all. We enjoyed seeing you and Jim at Appalachia Day a few years ago during your HofF induction. May you receive comfort from our loving God.

  • Tammy and Family, So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing Bub & I are thinking of you at this time of your loss. God will guide you through this troubled time and our prayers will be with you. Jim was a wonderful person loved by all and will remain in our hearts.

  • Mr. Oake’s was a amazing man, he took his job very seriously and always made the time for someone when they needed his guidance . He will be remembered by many but never forgotten.

  • Dear Tammy.,
    Thinking of you with love in our hearts..
    Love, Uncle Daniel & Aunt Pat., Susan & Michael…

  • I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to all of you!
    Please know you’re all in my thoughts and prayers.

  • To the Oakes family. Jim was a class mate at Warsaw. Great guy he would read my book when we had to do an oral book report put it on paper I would study it and give the oral report he got me out of several jams . You have my sympathy. Dan

  • So sorry to hear of Jim’s death. I remember first meeting him when he was at the Marengo School. Thinking of all of you.

  • From the family of Thelma Wigton who had very much respect for Jim Oakes, our condolences from Julie, Corby, Cody & Allie Blanton & family.

  • We were so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was truly one of the most favorite people to touch my life. Incredibly nice man. Cindy you know how happy I was for both of you that you shared such a loving bond. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Greg and Linda (Linkous) Sands