James Lee Oaks

James L. Oaks, age 70 went to be with the Lord on February 8, 2011. His death was unexpected. James was born in Coldwater Miss. August 3, 1940. He was from a family of 10 children and he lost his father in a fire when he was only 10 years old. He helped raise his siblings before he joined the Air Force. Jim enjoyed a successful career in the Air Force before retirement. He was an avid University of Tennessee alumnus often saying that that was the real “UT” and that the SEC was the “dominate football conference”. He was the President of the Tri-City Athletic League when his children were young and enjoyed that service to his community. He was a coach and helped with the scouting program while his children were in the programs. Most of the time, he enjoyed golf with his buddies and creating opportunities for memories for his grandkids. He and his wife met in Florida and embarked on a journey of a lifetime. They were married for 51 years.

He is survived by his wife Janet Oaks and her mother Louise Smith; children Sharon Oaks-Autry, Debbie Moore, Jim Oaks Jr., Todd Oaks, William Oaks, and Daveanna Gardner; his sisters Claudia May Robertson, Katherine Oaks, Bettie Kell-Etheridge, Bobbie Oaks Ferguson Mondy, Laura Oaks, Christine Castellaw, and his brother Ed Oaks. He is also survived by his grandchildren, their families, numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Duff Oaks; mother Bobbie Stappenbeck, step-father Richard Stappenbeck, Sister Duffie, Brother Bill Oaks, and grandson Bryan Autry.

Visitation will be 5-9P.M., Monday February 14th Sunset Funeral Home.. Funeral Service will be 8 A.M., Tuesday February 15th at Sunset Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Ft Sam Houston Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.