James Richard Oakley

James “Jim” Richard Oakley, 86 of Pearisburg, VA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  Jim was born on January 2, 1937, in Martinsville, VA and was a son of the late James Tylor Oakley and Reavey Azalea Oakley.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Loretta Peters Oakley, son, Gregory P. Oakley, 4 sisters, Frances O. Wine, Marie O. Joyce, Shirley O. Craig, and Betty Joan O. Byrd

Jim served his country in the United States Air Force. Upon his retirement, he served as a Farm Bureau insurance agent and an employee of Givens Funeral Home.  He was an active member at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg. He was a proud supporter of the Lions Club, the Gideon's, and Relay for Life. He enjoyed attending his yearly military reunions with his comrades, setting out a garden each year, horses, crossword/cryptogram puzzles, and sketching. No one who met Jim will ever forget his devotion to his Lord and Savior, love for his family, and willingness to help those in need.

He is survived by his second wife, Betty Ratcliffe Oakley of Pearisburg, daughter, Teresa Oakley Perdue (Russell) of Ripplemead, 2 granddaughters, Crystal Boggess (Mason) of Rich Creek and Kaylee Oakley of Charlotte, NC, 3 great grandchildren, Rhea Perdue, Cooper Boggess, and Aiden Campbell, and one brother Carlton Hughes Oakley (Phyllis). Jim also leaves behind one special cousin, Peggy Uram and his side kick "Chuckie-D" to cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 3:00pm at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg with Pastor Clay Holt and Pastor Gary Poff officiating with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg.  The family will receive friends at the church 2 hours before the service from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  The United States Air Force Honor Guard will be presenting the flag, taps, the 21 gun salute and will serve as pallbearers.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.