James Cecil Oldham

James Cecil Oldham was born in Austin, Texas on February 27, 1958. He was the older of two children, who grew up in Texas. As a child, his sister Barbara remembers playing jokes on each other and always being together. She says they shared a great childhood together and that there is no words to describe how much fun they had growing up. James would tell Barbara that ships would get lost in the waves of her hair. He loved to tease the cats by placing tape on their paws, making their mother so mad. They liked to walk on the train tracks while in Louisiana. He was a jokester and Barbara loved him for it. James was kind, loving and charismatic often times making everyone laugh till they cried. He was a best friend to all.

James loved his country and gave his all to his beloved United States. James also known as “Doc” or Jimmy to family and friends and “Mr. O” by the students and staff at Everest College where he instructed. He attended and graduates North Mesquite High School class of 1977; he then went into the Navy where he attended Recruit Training, Medical School and Leadership & Management; UT Southwestern with an Associates in Science Human Biology in 1993 and his Bachelors of Science in 2001. He was a member of the Alpha Beta Kappa fraternity. James proudly served and retired from the United States Navy after 20 years receiving several medals and accommodations such as; the National Defense Service Medal, five Good Conduct Medals, Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, two Navy Achievement Medals, Overseas Service Ribbon and four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. After retiring James worked as a medical instructor for 16 years, played with the Mesquite Symphony for 15 years and the Park Cities Baptist Church Orchestra for several years. He loved music 1st and foremost the Tuba; his four Harley’s named Rocky, Emerald Lady, Adriane and Jessie; model planes, ships, cars and trains; he loved to draw, swing dance, chess, flying and his 57 Chevy. His favorite places were Trinity Hall, riding on his bike, Caddo Lake, Louisiana and Whidby Island. He liked comedy movies, or t.v. shows such as Big Bang Theory, Looney Tunes, The Three Stooges and A Christmas Story. He also liked to listen to classic rock and Celtic music. He enjoyed St. Patrick Day at the Irish Pub. James imitated many personalities from Clinton to the Indian guy, the Three Stooges and Forest Gump. His favorite saying was “Here’s to you and here’s to me and those just like us: damn few”.

On December 13, 2014 James was called home where he was greeted by his parents Jessie & Bob Linton and cats Sabrina & Max. He is survived by his children Christopher Lee Oldham of Ketchikan, Alaska and Melissa Lynn Bohmer & husband Jason of Ida, Michigan; grandchildren Harmony, Melody and Jaron; sister Barbara Turley & husband Dan of Rowlett, Texas; best bud Justin Roth of Prosper, Texas and cats Springer & Forte.

James was loved and cherished by all those who knew him.