Obituary of James Henry Oakes

On August 10, 2011 Jim nobly and peacefully passed away in the Stettler Hospital at the age of 85. He was born at home on December 25, 1925 in St. Albert to William and Anna-Marie Oakes. Jim had three older brothers – Raymond, William, and Thomas – as well as two younger sisters Gladys and Pearl. Jim was a jack-of-all-trades working at many different jobs through his life, working as a beekeeper, logger and millwright in his younger days. In 1945 he met the love of his life, Marguerite Georgia Clarkin. They were married June 1, 1946 at the Clarkin family home near Meanook, AB. The rain had been pouring the day of the wedding and Jim showed his patience by sleeping on the floor of his in-laws living room of his wedding night. He showed his kindness by letting Grandpa Clarkin have the couch. Marge and Grandma Clarkin got the bed. On July 2, 1948, their first daughter Yvonne was born. Jim was working as a millwright for Imperial lumber at the time. Wood working would become a life-long passion for Jim. Almost entirely self-taught he built a house for his family in Athabasca. There was nothing more important to Jim than his family, and providing a safe and loving home. In 1956 an opportunity arose with the Plains Western Gas and Electric Company in Athabasca. Jim took this opportunity, a choice he did not regret. On January 7, 1957 Jim and Marge’s second daughter Donna was born. The family moved many different places as Jim’s career with the gas company moved forward, including Westlock in 1958, Barrhead in 1960, and in Stettler in 1967. The move to Stettler came just shortly after purchasing a new car. On their way south Jim noticed something seemed to be wrong with the heater. While Jim was concerned, everything seemed alright and the engine wasn’t overheating, so the family continued on. Upon arriving in Stettler it became apparent that there was nothing wrong with the heater, but instead was a weather phenomenon called a “Chinook” that had melted the snow – and everyone in the car. By this time Jim had been a manager with the gas company in both Barrhead and Stettler. In 1978 Jim and Marge moved to Three Hills where he continued with the gas company. During his time in Stettler Jim became a member of the Stettler Volunteer Fire Department. Practice was every Monday night and there were many times Jim would come home dripping wet. It would seem hose practice became a water fight of huge proportions. Working with the men of the Fire Department made strong friendships with deep respect for each other. Jim was proud to be one of the men on the Volunteer Fire Department. The Oakes family also were members of the Stettler Trailer Club. Out most every weekend with a wonderful group of people that had a mutual enjoyment of camping. These weekends would end each day with campfires surrounded by music as anyone who had an instrument was welcome to join in the fun. Family vacations were a time of enjoying new places, the great outdoors and camping. Starting with sleeping in the back of an old half ton to tents, tent trailers, and finally holiday trailers many interesting times were had. The first day of vacation always meant everything was packed and ready to go at the crack of dawn the next day. Jim was also very particular, and wanted things done right. If it wasn’t right, it had to be made right. And if it couldn’t be made right, it went out – as a poor frying pan of eggs would discover one day. While cooking some breakfast Jim ran into the problem of the eggs sticking to the pan so they couldn’t be removed. This was where his patience ran out, because without a word to anyone else, that poor frying pan went down the stairs, out the back door, and into the trash – eggs, butter and all. Jim then came back in the house, got out a new pan and started again. Outside of the kitchen there was nothing Jim couldn’t fix. Anything that needed fixed around the house or yard Jim would take care of. He kept his house and cars and travel trailers in top running order. He loved to tinker with things. Jim’s patience and friendliness with people would serve him well in his time with the gas company, and he would make many friends there. After 34 years with the gas company Jim retired and he and Marge moved back to Stettler closer to family. Jim filled his retirement years with many of the activities he loved. Jim loved music, and playing guitar. He loved playing with others when out camping or visiting, or just playing by himself at home. He truly enjoyed camping and being outdoors. He and his family camped many times through the years, travelling by themselves and with friends to places all over Alberta and British Columbia. His love of wood work had him building cedar chests, jewellery boxes and refinishing antique furniture pieces. He had a nack for envisioning new designs in his mind, and a talent for figuring out how to make them reality. Family was of the utmost importance to Jim. His greatest pride was in seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. His kind manner and humour were a great light to all those whom he met throughout his life. He will be dearly missed.