Thomas J. Oakes, Jr.

Thomas J. Oakes, Jr. "Tom" 93 passed away peacefully on March 22, 2012. Born in Newark, NJ in 1918, formerly of South Plainfield, NJ where he and his loving wife Terry raised their three sons: Thomas (Karen), Stuart Florida, Bruce(Barbara), Absecon NJ, Charles(June), Monroe Township NJ. Tom and Terry moved from South Plainfield and enjoyed living many happy years together on "Sunny Hill Farm", Windham Summit, Pa. After the passing of Terry, Tom moved to Athens, Pa and most recently resided at The Personal Care Home, Towanda, Pa. He will be loved and remembered as a great husband, ever giving father, and he was so very proud of his seven remarkable grandchildren, and ten fantastic great grandchildren. In 1941, Tom heard the calling and joined the Army and became an original member of the "90 Day Wonders" and was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the US Army. He completed his service to country graduating from General Command and Staff College retiring a major from the USAR in 1978. Tom made friends wherever he went and was always 'willing to lend a hand'. During the time Tom lived on Windham Summit he delivered the US Mail on a rural route covering many miles every day until he was 75. He loved building and test flying his model airplanes, going on bus tours with his favorite senior groups, bowling, square dancing, and spending time with family and friends. As a great "tinkerer" Dad could repair and build most anything and enjoyed sharing how he fixed "stuff". In memory of Dad and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make-a Wish New Jersey 1347 Perrineville Rd Monroe Township, NJ 08831; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept 142 Memphis, TN 38148; or Boy Scouts of America 5 Rivers Council 244West Water Street Elmira, NY 14901. Dad will be remembered at the Methodist Church, Nichols, NY at a future date. A viewing and military honors service will be held at South Plainfield Funeral Home, NJ on April 9, 2012. Visitation from 11am to 1pm with services and internment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, New Brunswick, NJ. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Cooley Family of the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com