James Oakes

James R. Oakes (Jim), 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. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Ohio State University.He married his wife of 40 years, Tammy (Taylor) Oakes, on July 30 1977. 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; 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 September 9, 2017 at Snyder Funeral Home (67 N. Main St., Mt. Gilead, OH 43338). A service celebrating his life will also 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 .