James Earl Oaks, 67 went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 30, 2025 peacefully at his home in Pennington Gap, Virginia.

James was born on February 28, 1957 in Lee County, Virginia to the late Paul Sr. and Birdie Nelms Oaks. He graduated from Pennington High School in 1975, where he enjoyed playing basketball, track, cross county and baseball. James loved supporting his Tennessee Vols and Washington Redskins.

He enjoyed playing softball on the Joker Braves and several other softball teams. After graduating he went on to serve in the Air Force in Texas where he was a security police officer. After the Air Force he worked at Jessee's Diesel in Dryden, Virginia. He was also a coal miner at Powell Mountain Coal Company from 1982-1990. He then worked at a factory in Indiana where he was a printer technician and moved up to supervisor for several years. He then moved back to Pennington Gap to be with his two daughters and to care for his parents.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Patty Mae Oaks Robbins and Barbara Ann Oaks Combs and his beloved dog Neiko.

Those left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Afton Oaks and Myranda Oaks Combs (Adam), one sister Gail Oaks Bloomer, three brothers Paul Jr., Jerry and Sonny Oaks. Close friends Opheia and Sue Moore and Zachary Ratliff and special fur babies Pixie and Chevy along with several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Powell Valley cemetery at 1 PM with Pastor Richard McFarland officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery by 12:45 PM.

James Earl Oaks and his family are in the care of Pennington Gap Funeral Home.