James Chester Oaks

January 30, 1937 – December 13, 2025

James “Jim” Oaks died peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 13th.

Jim was born in Centre, Alabama and grew up in Hokes Bluff, Alabama where he married the love of his life, Hazel in 1964. Together they had two children Aleatha and James Chester “Chet” Oaks, Jr.

Jim went to Hokes Bluff High School and the University of Alabama. He received a Doctoral Degree from the University of the Cumberlands. Faith, Family and Friends were the cornerstones of his life. Jim also served as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church in Corbin, Kentucky and at One Church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Jim served as a member of the Grand Lodges of Alabama and Kentucky, Free and Accepted Masons for 67 years.

Jim began his lifelong railroad career in Alabama with the Louisville & Nashville Railroad (L&N) which later became CSX Transportation. He retired in 1999 as Asst. Vice President of the Coal Department. He faithfully served on the Board of Directors for the RJ Corman Railroad Group until his death.

Jim was predeceased by his loving parents Chester Oaks, Nancy Turner Oaks Gaskin and Willis Gaskin, along with his beloved Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.

Survivors include his spouse of 61 years Hazel Strange Oaks, Daughter Aleatha Oaks, Granddaughter Haley (Zachary) White all of Jacksonville, Florida ; Son James “Chet” (Melissa) Oaks of Hokes Bluff, Alabama their daughter Whitney Hall and her children Braylei and Cobe Grambel of Corbin, Kentucky; Cousins; Railroad Family and Friends.

The family would like to thank Jim’s friends who visited, caregivers, physicians and Community Hospice for making his final days peaceful.

Visitation will be held at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens,

located at 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250, on December 20, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Funeral services will follow the visitation beginning at 3:00 pm, and will include Masonic Funeral Rites.