James C. Oakes

July 7, 1924 - October 5, 2016

James C. Oakes, 92, of W. 14th Street, Jamestown, N.Y., passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Heritage Park Rehab and Skilled Nursing. He was born on July 7, 1924, in West Virginia, the son of the late Paden and Lucy James Oakes. James was raised and educated in West Virginia and graduated from Carlton High School in 1942. Following high school, he proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during World War II. A very active member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, he drove the van to pick up kids for church and also served as the superintendent at the church. He loved attending church and listening to the musical programs and liked to listen to scripture being read to him. He loved a can of pop. He also enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife Esther. James worked at the Resource Center and drove bus. He was also employed by Crescent Tool in Jamestown. James is survived by his wife of 59 years, Esther Graves Oakes, whom he married on March 3, 1957; his nephew, Mark Graves of North Canton, OH, whom he and his wife Esther raised as their son; his brother, Lewis Oakes of Chicago, Ill; and two sisters: Serline Dixon of Washington D.C. and Irene Smith of Richmond, VA, and host a nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Bernard and Ernest Oakes. Memorial contributions may be made to Chautauqua County Veterans (van transportation), 610 W. 3rd Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. Family and friends may call at Powers, Present & Sixbey Funeral Home, 316 East Fifth Street, Jamestown, N.Y., on Tuesday (October 11th) from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. A funeral will be held on Wednesday at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 53 W. 23rd Street, Jamestown at 1:00 PM. Rev. Leroy Walker, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Lakewood, NY. To light a candle or to send condolences James’ family please visit www.presentsixbeyfuneral.com.