James H. Oakes

Jim was born December 20, 1920 to Harold and Inez Oakes in Hunter, ND. He was a son of a rural Veterinarian and enjoyed animals and outdoor sporting, especially fishing. Jim was instrumental in the Conservation Corps as a youth and was involved with the Tree Campaign. When the war called his attention, he traveled with the Army infantry to the Philippian Islands. After WWII he was employed as a butcher at Armour's Meat Packing in West Fargo. He married Evelyn Neshiem from Moorhead and they started a family. After the Armour closing Jim worked at the Fargo V.A. Hospital, Northern Improvement, and later the Konen Cab Company. Jim later was remarried to Belle Paulson and moved to St. Paul and worked for the V.A. Hospital until Retirement. He was well liked and called "Pops" by many. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn; and parents, Harold and Inez. He is survived by his son, Rick; grandson, Nicholas; brother, Tom; sisters, Kathleen, LaRayne, and Ethel; and nieces, nephews and friends.