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BORN
1935
DIED
2015
John Oakes Obituary
July 16, 1935 - February 18, 2015
Resident of Redwood City
John Perry Oakes (Jaypoh) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, in Redwood City, CA. Born on July 16, 1935, in Iowa City, he was 79 years old and lived in Redwood City for 45 years. He was a loving husband of over 45 years to Eleanor (Ellie) Oakes and beloved father to Kimberly Oakes, Marc (Julie) Manuel and John Oakes and cherished grandfather of Alexandria, Claire and Grace Manuel. He honorably served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He studied at the State University of Iowa and Long Beach State College, receiving a BA in Political Science, and he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall in 1965. John began his career in the field of law as California State Deputy Attorney General assigned to the Criminal Division from 1965 to 1970. He was employed as a Deputy District Attorney in San Mateo County for 30 years. He devoted 36 years to criminal prosecution, including assignments as the first Consumer Fraud attorney, as well as prosecuting many serious felony cases, including murder. He served as a mentor to many beginning Deputy District Attorneys, providing sage advice that only comes from age and experience. John is believed to be the longest serving Deputy District Attorney in the history of San Mateo County. He loved books and was a voracious reader of biographies and crime novels. He spent his summer's fly fishing and volunteering for the Henry Fork Foundation in Idaho. John had a passion for learning and never stopped taking classes. His latest areas of interest included biology and ornithology. A private family ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Save the Bay and the Peninsula Humane Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Oakes
Sponsored by His Loving Wife, Eleanor (Ellie) Oakes.
A memorable summer with our Baba, at Pinehaven, Idaho
February 24, 2020
A memorable summer with our Baba, at Pinehaven, Idaho.
Claire Manuel
February 23, 2020
Dear Baba, We miss you very much. You are forever in our hearts. Alex, Claire, and Grace
Ellie Oakes
February 21, 2020
In loving memory of my husband and his beloved Vizsla, Targhee. Still loved, still missed, and very dear. Missing you today ( February 18, 2020) and always.
Becky Gonzales
February 17, 2020
Dear Uncle John,
On the soon-to-be anniversary of your passing, I am thinking about the time we shared together. I remember living with you and Auntie Ellie before I moved to New York in 2004. You were so supportive of my career aspirations and my desire to live away from home, though I didn't know exactly what I wanted out of my life at that time. You even loaned me your truck while I was living there -- and I lost your keys! We kind of laughed about it at the time, but I felt so guilty. Those days I was running around like a headless chicken!
I remember you at my wedding. It was one of the last times we would celebrate with a warm hug. I was so happy that you were there... we were there together as a family, a family that has been through our fair share of highs and lows.
It's interesting because this is an election year and at work, in public relations, I am deeply involved with our company's message around public policy and people's data privacy as it relates to technology and the Internet. Working for something larger than myself, for the good of society, is something that you worked towards as well and I am blessed to have had your influence on my values.
I think and communicate with Auntie Ellie often. She is very active on Facebook and the Internet so it's easy to see what she's up to. I hope you are enjoying heaven with Targhee. Does heaven look like the wilderness of Idaho? I hope so!
January 5, 2017
February 2015
Ellie and Family,
John was a dear friend, my neighbor and fishing buddy.
He was a true gentleman, scholar and conservationist.
Mick Mickelson
Pinehaven
Island Park, Idaho
January 4, 2017
John will be so missed by all of us in Island Park, Idaho.
Lisa and Cory Larson
January 4, 2017
Thanks John for sharing your stories with me.
You talked about your dog Targhee and I would
talk about mine also named Targhee.
John Poloski
January 4, 2017
February 2015
What great memories, especially the trips to Papakea in
'88, '90, '91 and '94. I can't say enough great things about
John, he was like a father to me, expecially after my dad
passed away in '88. I cherished his wisdom and advice
and loved his stories. He will aways be a part of me and
I will always remember him.
Tom Jacoubousky
January 4, 2017
February 2015
Uncle John,
We will all miss you very much. I will always remember
how encouraging and supportive you were of me. Each
time we talked, I knew you were proud of me. I am
pursuing a doctoral degree now inspired by your
commitment to learning.
Love,
Jenn
January 4, 2017
February 2015
John,
Thanks for a lifetime of memories. You were
and will always be the rock that we leaned on.
Lani
January 4, 2017
February 2015
Dear Ellie and Family,
What a shock it was to learn of his passing. It was a deep pleasure to know of his interest in swans, and to know he
even relocated a pair when the water level at their nest
become too low.
The gift he shared of himself, his time and his experience
will continue to ripple and have an important impact in the
world through all the people whose lives he touched.
On behalf of all of us at the Trumpeter Swan Society,
please accept our sympathy and condolences.
John will be truly missed.
Sincerely,
Margaret Smith
Executive Director
The Trumpeter Swan Society
January 4, 2017
Dad,
Thank you for being such a wonderful Baba to my girls.
They learned what true integrity means through your example.
You were always there to offer support and to listen to all
of our accounts of the day. You showed them that learning
is fun and that it doesn't end when school is out. They will
also carry with them your value for voluteering. We will
miss you, but I will see your influence on my children
every day. Rest in Peace.
Love,
Julie
December 20, 2016
February 26, 2015
Baba,
I miss you very much. You were a great person and
I'm proud to say you were my Baba. I hope that you're
in a better place. Say Hi to Helen Keler.
I love you Baba.
Claire
December 20, 2016
February 26, 2015
Baba,
I miss you and hope you are in a better place.
I love you Baba.
Grace
December 20, 2016
February 26, 2015
I miss you Baba! I have always admired how you were so
passionate about your work and it has inspired me to
follow your footsteps and become a lawyer.
I will always love you Baba,
Alex
December 20, 2016
JPO,
It's hard to believe you're not here with us. You've been in
my life as long as I can remember. You are truly one of the
greatest people I've ever know. You were always so kind,
funny and generous with your time. I will miss you forever.
Love,
Lee Wel (lisa Maguire)
Karen Rende
March 30, 2015
My sympathies to Ellie and the family. John was a friend to many and I believe a great asset to our county, as well as our country. God rest his soul.
February 28, 2015
You will always be in our hearts John.
Love,
Esther Ramos and Isabel Aoanan
February 28, 2015
We will miss John and his Idaho Master Naturalist work with us in Island Park, ID.
Jeff & Cathy Dufault
February 27, 2015
I was one of the prosecutors who benefitted from the wit and wisdom of Jaypoh. I was sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I always enjoyed his stories about fishing and his love of the outdoors. Gina Jett
Rachel Aoanan
February 27, 2015
To Uncle John,
For his enormous contribution as a public servant, husband, father and grandfather. We miss you, and know that your memory will be with us always.
Leonard Kohl
February 26, 2015
With deepest condolences to the Oakes' family. May John Rest in Peace.
Becky Aoanan Gonzales
February 24, 2015
You will always be remembered and loved, Uncle John.
Elizabeth Hill
February 23, 2015
John was a wonderful friend and mentor. I am so sorry that he is gone, and I will miss him greatly. My sympathies to his family.
Tom Marriscolo
February 23, 2015
I was fortunate to work many cases with John while employed in Law Enforcement. He was always there to assist and guide you through the process. He was also a wonderful person to be around.
My deepest sympathies to his family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Marriscolo Cmdr. Ret. Burlingame Police Dept.
Linda Eufusia
February 23, 2015
I was one of the deputy district attorneys that John mentored. His skill and knowledge were a given, but his kindness and humor was pure John. I remember John with such joy that I knew him
Karen Guidotti
February 23, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful man and a lifelong public servant. John was a friend and mentor to many generations of prosecutors in the DA's Office. My sympathies go our to his family. He will be missed.
Kimberlee Oakes
February 22, 2015
Heaven has gained a true lover of nature. I will always miss you daddy.
Love, Kimberlee
Mark Forcum
February 21, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a great man. He cared deeply about his outstanding work for the citizens of San Mateo County. He also went out of his way to help each and every new Deputy DA which is a tribute to his great character. His wit, wisdom and sense of calm, touched every Deputy DA and Judge he worked with. My prayers go out to John's wonderful family . Judge Mark R. Forcum
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