James Robert Oakes

HOMER, LA: Funeral services were held for former U.S. Marshal and Claiborne Parish Sheriff J.R. Oakes, 84, at the First Baptist Church in Homer on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Brian Thurman, officiating. Interment followed at the Homer Arlington Cemetery. The family received friends at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 E. 5th St, Homer on Friday from 5-7 p.m. Mr. Oakes was born June 30, 1929 in Homer to James Madison Oakes and Sallie Gryder Oakes. He entered into Heaven on Thursday, Jan. 9th after passing away at Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston following a lengthy illness. Mr. Oakes was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Jimmie Vardeman Oakes, who he was married to from 1954 to 1990. He is survived by his wife Juanita Stone Oakes of Homer; one daughter, Paula Jane Oakes Sears of Bossier City; one son, James Madison Oakes and wife Tammie of Ruston; 5 grandchildren, Hilary and Shelby Sears, and John, Ty and Matt Oakes. Mr. Oakes was ordained as a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Homer in 1954. He faithfully served his church as a deacon and in various positions for more than 60 years. Service in his church and community was a prominent characteristic of his life. Oakes was a longtime member of the Homer Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Homer Jaycees and Homer Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Oakes served as Sheriff of Claiborne Parish from 1968 to 1993 when he was appointed U.S. Marshal, Western District of Louisiana, by President Bill Clinton following his nomination to this post by U.S. Senators J. Bennett Johnston and John Breaux. Mr. Oakes was superbly devoted to God, his family, and to his many friends. He loved public service and held a special affection for all of his friends that worked in law enforcement. Pallbearers were Sheriff Ken Bailey, Sidney Smith, Dr. Nelson Philpot, Dr. D.K. Haynes, Sam Wilkinson and Michael Allen. Honorary pallbearers were George Meadors, Don "Chic" Ceccarelli and all the former and current members of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office. For friends considering memorials honoring Marshal Oakes, his family suggests the First Baptist Church, 406 W. Main St., Homer, LA 71040.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110