Obituary of James R Oakes

James Richmond “Jim” Oakes was born in Shelton, WA, on April 17th, 1942, to Bonnie Mae Oakes and John Richmond Oakes. He died in his home in Olympia, WA, at 81 years of age on May 1st, 2023. He is preceded in death by his father, John, his brother, Gary Lee (Joe), and nephew Jesse Weston. He is survived by his wife, Carol; mother, Bonnie; sister, Cheryl Waite; daughter, Shannon Mattson (Michael); sons JR (Shannon), and Shad Morrow (Sellena); and grandchildren Duncan Mattson (Maura), Jesse Mattson, John Oakes, Keogan Oakes, Ellie Oakes, Kaitlyn Oakes and his nephew, Kelly Weston (Jayce). Jim graduated with the class of 1960, from Irene S Reed High School. After graduating, he worked for Simpson Timber Company and attended Olympic Community College. On September 14th, 1963, he married his soulmate, Carol Lynn Coffman, who he first met in kindergarten. They then both attended the University of Washington. Jim served in Vietnam as a radio operator from January of 1966 to October of 1967, and received an honorable discharge. When he returned from Vietnam, Jim continued his education and graduated from Central Washington University in 1969, majoring in Business Administration. Jim and Carol lived in Yakima, Washington, from 1965 – 1972, where he worked for Frame and Whiting Accounting and National Cash Register (NCR). Both of their children were born in Yakima. In November of 1972, the family relocated to East Wenatchee WA where Jim took a job with the Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD). The family lived in East Wenatchee until 1978, when they moved across the river to Wenatchee. In Wenatchee, Jim and Carol built a life on the Four Oaks Ranch where they raised their children, cattle, and many other animals. During this time, Jim served as an officer in the Chelan County Cattleman’s Association. Jim’s “OAK” brand, which he designed, is still registered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Jim retired from the Chelan County PUD in 1999. After retirement, he continued raising cattle and enjoyed spending time riding mules with the Back Country Horsemen of Washington and The Tillicum Riders. Through his participation in these clubs, he served in leadership roles, volunteered with the US Forest Service, rode in the Cashmere Founders Day Parade and participated in many other riding events. Jim and Carol moved to Olympia, WA, in 2010 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. His grandchildren were the light of his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Back Country Horsemen of Washington, PO Box 1132, Ellensburg, WA 98926.