Larry "Jim" James Oakley
Larry "Jim" Oakley Obituary
Larry James Oakley (Hallsville, MO), known to his family and friends as Jim or 'J.O.', passed on January 14th, 2021 at the Truman VA Hospital.
Jim was a lover of the simple things in life. He adored his family & friends, fishing, classic cars & trucks, being in nature, mushroom hunting, BBQ and using his creative side. He was always the life of the party along with consistently being a provider for his family. As Jim reached retirement age, the long-lasting effects of his contact with Agent Orange during his service in the Vietnam War finally got the best of him. He fought a long, courageous fight with the terrible product and side effects of the Vietnam Era.
Jim was born December 12th, 1949 in Chillicothe, MO. He was raised in Albany, MO by his farming family, mother Alice (Cook) Findley and step-father Donald Findley. Jim graduated from Albany High School in 1967 and was drafted in the US Army the same year. He served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1969. He returned to the US and resided in Russellville, MO where he owned and operated a Texaco Service Station.
In 1976, Jim reenlisted for the US Army and did a 3 year tour in Germany and was Honorably Discharged in 1980. He returned to Columbia, MO to work for the University of Missouri and its Campus Facilities until retirement.
He met and married his wife Barbara White (Wabash, IN) in 1983. He is survived by Barbara (Wife); his son James Robert (37) and daughter in law Sara Lynn and their daughter Willow of Ashland; And his son Travis Wayne(33) of Columbia. Extended family; Sister-in-law Beverly Sutula and her sons Chris and Kevin (Erie, PA). Nephews Mick and Matt White and families (Wabash, IN). Cousins Dale Gibler (Jefferson City, MO) and his sister Debbie along with Ron Rouch.
Jim will be missed by all that loved him.
In lieu of flowers; plant a tree or a yellow rose, take your kids fishing, restore an old car or even build a model of one.
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