Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Oaks Obituary
February 21, 1921-October 28, 2012
Resident of San Jose
James David Oaks, long time San Jose resident, died peacefully on October 28 at the age of 91 in the presence of his wife and children. Born in Escondido (San Diego County) in 1921, he graduated from Escondido High School in 1939 and entered the University of California, Berkeley. His education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Army Air Corps as a navigator, flying several missions over Germany.
After his discharge from the Army, Jim re-entered Cal with the G.I. Bill. Upon graduation he joined Continental Insurance Company in San Francisco, remaining there until his retirement in 1980. In retirement he actively pursued creative writing and photography.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Maris Oaks and brothers Allen and Francis Oaks. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara of San Jose, son Frederick Martinez of Santa Cruz, daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Devin Kruse of Cupertino, grandchildren Sara Aluffi of Santa Cruz and Garrett Anaya of Fremont, three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will take place Friday, November 16, 1 p.m. in the chapel of Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in the name of James Oaks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Oaks
PK
November 5, 2023
Miss you every day dad.
Gate of Heaven
Devin Kruse
October 24, 2013
I'll see you Monday Jim
November 11, 2012
Barbara, Fred, Pat, and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Oaks was a wonderful father and I will always remember him as even tempered and tolerant as he would drive us all over when we were in highschool.
Love you,
Greg and Kathy Balvin
Gladys Marroquin
November 9, 2012
My prayers are with all of you.
November 8, 2012
Having recently lost my father; my heart, strength, and prayers go out to the whole family. Mrs. Oakes, you and Jim have done a beautiful job raising your children. I feel so blessed to have Pat in my life. The only thing that keeps a smile on my face is the wonderful memories I have stored and will hang on to for the rest of my life, I hope you all will do the same! if James plays cribbage or chess, my Dad has probably reeled him in for a good match! My thoughts are with you all during this hard time.
Much love, Shari
Gary & Luci Titus
November 8, 2012
Pat, We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gary & Luci
Julie Meehan
November 7, 2012
Pat, Devin and family - I know there really are no words to make this easier. Keep your memories close and find comfort in them. Thinking of you all.
Love, Julie, Tom, and Abby
Pat Pierson
November 7, 2012
I am so sorry to hear your Dad has passed. My prayers will include you and your family. I loved reading about your Dad's history. He will always Mr. Oaks who drove us to drill team activities!
November 7, 2012
So sorry to hear about your loss, Barbara, Pat and Devin. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kavita
November 7, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I am sorry for your loss.
Kavita
November 7, 2012
I feel blessed that Jim as such a big part of our family. My sister's husband,Fred and Pat's father and my brother-in-law. Physically he leaves a void,but in memories he is with us. Our love for each other is stronger because of him.
Evettra Whitaker
November 7, 2012
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. My condolences to the family, LOVE Evettra Whitaker and Family
November 7, 2012
Love you Dad and miss you.
PK
Jim and Francis
Devin Kruse
November 7, 2012
From the sweet grass to the packing house, birth till death, we travel between the eternities.. I'll see you on the other side Jim
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in James Oaks's name
Memorial Events
for James Oaks
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Oaks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
