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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 55
BY REPRESENTATIVE JEFFERSON AND SENATOR GALLOT
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of Sheriff J.R. Oakes
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To express condolences upon the death of former United States Marshall and Claiborne2
Parish Sheriff J.R. Oakes.3
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Legislature of4
Louisiana has learned of the death of J.R. Oakes on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at Northern5
Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston, Louisiana, following a lengthy illness; and6
WHEREAS, J.R. Oakes was an outstanding public servant whose excellence as a7
sheriff merited his consistent re-election to office for twenty-five years, during which time8
he fully used every opportunity to serve the citizens of Claiborne Parish in an honorable and9
dedicated manner; and10
WHEREAS, J.R. Oakes was born on June 30, 1929, in Homer, Louisiana, to James11
Madison Oakes and Sallie Gryder Oakes; and12
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes was ordained as a deacon in the First Baptist Church of13
Homer in 1954; he faithfully served his church as a deacon in various positions for more14
than sixty years; and15
WHEREAS, service in his church and community was a prominent characteristic of16
his life; he was a longtime member of the Homer Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club,17
Homer Jaycees, and the Homer Volunteer Fire Department; and18
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes served as the sheriff of Claiborne Parish from 1968 to 1993,19
when he was nominated by United States Senators J. Bennett Johnston and John Breaux to20 HLS 14RS-2077 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 55
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serve as the U.S. Marshall for the Western District of Louisiana; upon his nomination, Mr.1
Oakes was confirmed by the Senate and appointed by President Bill Clinton; and2
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes was superbly devoted to God, his family, and his many3
friends; he loved public service and held a special affection for all of his friends that worked4
in law enforcement; and5
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife,6
Jemmie Vardeman Oakes, to whom he was married from 1954 to 1990; and7
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes is survived by his wife Juanita Stone Oakes; one daughter,8
Paula Jane Oakes Sears; one son, James Madison Oakes and wife Tammie; and five9
grandchildren, Hilary and Shelby Sears, and John, Ty and Matt Oakes; and10
WHEREAS, it is with heavy hearts that the entire state says goodbye to one of11
Louisiana's finest sons and empathizes with the tremendous pain that Mr. Oakes' family and12
friends are suffering and joins them in mourning the loss of this extraordinary gentleman;13
and14
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes will forever be respected and remembered by his fellow15
citizens for his singular contributions as a most personable and selfless sheriff and for his16
steadfast commitment to the citizens of Claiborne Parish, his family and friends, and his17
community.18
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby19
express deepest sympathy to the family of J.R. Oakes, and offer prayers and thoughts during20
this difficult time, does hereby recognize the enduring impact that he had on the lives of his21
fellow citizens, does hereby extend the hope that his family and friends will be granted the22
strength they need to cope with the loss of this outstanding citizen whose memory shall live23
forever in the minds and hearts of all who knew and loved him, and does hereby extend24
appreciation for his enduring legacy that will forever bring great pride and honor to25
Claiborne Parish and the state of Louisiana.26
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted27
to the family of J.R. Oakes.28 HLS 14RS-2077 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 55
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Jefferson HCR No. 55
Expresses condolences upon the death of J.R. Oakes, former sheriff of Claiborne Parish.