Obituary for James D. “Jim” Oates

A Celebration of Jim’s life will begin at 7:00pm on Thursday May 30, 2019 at the Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton, with Pastor Steve Walter, Rev. Jody Oates and Pastor Jim Oates officiating. Friends may call from 3:00 until time of services on Thursday. There will be a private family burial on Friday at WolfCreek Cemetery. 

Jim died on Monday, May 27, 2019 at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. He was born on October 23, 1938 to the late Frank and Edna Oates. On Sunday, May 17, 1959 he married Sonja Cox, affectionately known to him as “my beautiful woman.” They were married at Epworth United Methodist Church in Kenton by Rev. Richard Baker. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on May 17, 2019.

Jim and Sonja are the proud parents of Christine and Robert Fish, Jim and Diane Oates, and Jody and Margie Oates. Grandchildren Rachel and Jake Lindvig, Dustin and Mindy Oates, Morgan Oates, Kelsey Oates and Connor Oates. And one Great Grandson Carter Oates.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Christine, brothers; Frank, Bob and Jack and a sister Lou Ella Newfer.

In 1986 he retired from Western & Southern Life. He sold Ford cars and trucks, retiring from Cole Motor Sales in Ada in 2009. He also drove bus for many years for Kenton City Schools and was known as “Curly” to his riders. He graduated from Kenton High School in 1957. He enlisted in the Army and served in the Ohio National Guard. 

He was a faithful member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Kenton where he served on several committees. He loved woodworking and collecting comic books and was an outstanding High school basketball player.

Memorial contributions can be made to Epworth United Methodist Church in Kenton.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.