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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 55
BY REPRESENTATIVE JEFFERSON AND SENATORS GALL OT AND WALSWORTH
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To express condolences upon the death of former United States Marshall and Claiborne
Parish Sheriff J.R. Oakes.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Legislature of
Louisiana has learned of the death of J.R. Oakes on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at Northern
Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston, Louisiana, following a lengthy illness; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Oakes was an outstanding public servant whose excellence as a
sheriff merited his consistent re-election to office for twenty-five years, during which time
he fully used every opportunity to serve the citizens of Claiborne Parish in an honorable and
dedicated manner; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Oakes was born on June 30, 1929, in Homer, Louisiana, to James
Madison Oakes and Sallie Gryder Oakes; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes was ordained as a deacon in the First Baptist Church of
Homer in 1954; he faithfully served his church as a deacon in various positions for more
than sixty years; and
WHEREAS, service in his church and community was a prominent characteristic of
his life; he was a longtime member of the Homer Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club,
Homer Jaycees, and the Homer Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes served as the sheriff of Claiborne Parish from 1968 to 1993,
when he was nominated by United States Senators J. Bennett Johnston and John Breaux to
serve as the U.S. Marshall for the Western District of Louisiana; upon his nomination, Mr.
Oakes was confirmed by the Senate and appointed by President Bill Clinton; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes was superbly devoted to God, his family, and his many
friends; he loved public service and held a special affection for all of his friends that worked
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WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife,
Jemmie Vardeman Oakes, to whom he was married from 1954 to 1990; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes is survived by his wife Juanita Stone Oakes; one daughter,
Paula Jane Oakes Sears; one son, James Madison Oakes and wife Tammie; and five
grandchildren, Hilary and Shelby Sears, and John, Ty and Matt Oakes; and
WHEREAS, it is with heavy hearts that the entire state says goodbye to one of
Louisiana's finest sons and empathizes with the tremendous pain that Mr. Oakes' family and
friends are suffering and joins them in mourning the loss of this extraordinary gentleman;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Oakes will forever be respected and remembered by his fellow
citizens for his singular contributions as a most personable and selfless sheriff and for his
steadfast commitment to the citizens of Claiborne Parish, his family and friends, and his
community.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express deepest sympathy to the family of J.R. Oakes, and offer prayers and thoughts during
this difficult time, does hereby recognize the enduring impact that he had on the lives of his
fellow citizens, does hereby extend the hope that his family and friends will be granted the
strength they need to cope with the loss of this outstanding citizen whose memory shall live
forever in the minds and hearts of all who knew and loved him, and does hereby extend
appreciation for his enduring legacy that will forever bring great pride and honor to
Claiborne Parish and the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of J.R. Oakes.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE