Obituary of James L. Oakley

James L. Oakley Sidney Center-- Jim, 52, was called home on Thursday May 19, 2016, after a long courageous battle with lung cancer. Jim was born on February 24, 1964 in Stamford, to Virgil and Elizabeth Oakley Sr. Jim was a hard working man who took pride in anything and everything he did. He was a member of the Sidney Center Fire Department. He also enjoyed working on small engines, which he chose for a career, working at McAdams Lawn Sales and Service in Walton. Jim enjoyed camping with his family, riding bike, and playing Frisbee golf. Jim also enjoyed watching NASCAR on Sundays, and building his cancer tractor. He was a member of the Catskill Garden Tractor Pulling Club, taking pride in every hook he hooked. Jim's fondest memory of pulling was pulling his dear friend Joel Jones's modified tractor, where he achieved ribbons for every pull. Jim was able to fulfill two goals before passing, which meant everything in the world to him: he was able to finish his Cancer Pulling Tractor "Cure It", and his PaPa's inspiration tractor, in honor of his grandchildren. He was also able to take his Grandson to the beach, as he had promised him for many months. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Virgil and Elizabeth Oakley Sr. and his beloved puppy, Jay Jay. Jim was survived his wife of 26 years married and 32 years together, Railene; son, Robert and his wife Melissa Oakley, Sidney Center; Daughter, Heather Oakley and Her Fiancé, Matthew Savory, Sidney; brother, Virgil and Darlene Oakley, Bloomville; Sister, Judy and Jason Clapper, Boons Mill, VA; brother, Paul and Jennifer Oakley, Davenport, NY; brother Danny and Kristi Oakley, Hobart. Most of all, he is survived by his beloved grandchildren: Aubrey Anzalone, Connor Scott, Ashten Savory and Aiden Savory.; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends and Family may call from 11:00am-1:00pm on Monday, May 23, 2016 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street Sidney. A short service will begin at 1:00pm at the funeral chapel, followed by a celebration of life at the Sidney Center Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Judy Clapper at 6588 County Highway 35 Sidney Center, NY 13839 for the purpose of purchasing trophies for the Pulling club in memory of Jim every year. Condolences may be shared online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.