Jim Wilks Oates

Jim Wilks Oates, of North Granby, Conn., passed away on Jan. 17, 2023, just short of his 94th birthday. He was born in a small town in southeast Missouri on March 10, 1929, to James and Lavina Oates. Shortly after, they moved to Blytheville, Ark., where he was raised. 

Childhood shenanigans caused a fall from playground equipment and a broken leg. Modern medicine was sparse in those days, so one leg ended up shorter than the other, a trouble he overcame for the rest of his life. Jim graduated from Blytheville High School and enrolled at William Jewel College in Liberty, Mo., to study economics. During this time, he joined the Sigma Nu fraternity and, even late in life, shared fond memories of living in the fraternity house and driving to football games in a 1934 Ford.

In 1957, he applied for a job with Combustion Engineering (CE) in Windsor, Conn. Interested in his application, CE offered to fly him to Connecticut for an interview. He and his buddy crashed a party on his way to the airport, where he met a young girl from a nearby farming community. The flight, his first one ever, and the job interview went well. The introduction to the young lady went well, too, because a long-distance relationship led to his engagement to Nancy Pressly in 1957. They married in 1958 in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and took up residence in East Granby. Shortly after, he started a long career as a materials officer at United Nuclear Corporation, first in New Haven and later in Uncasville, ‘retiring’ in 1994. In 1962, they purchased a house in North Granby. Three boys and many dogs (Bassett Hounds only) also found their way into the house. 

Jim’s life—no one really called him James. Mr. Oates? Absolutely. But James seemed too stuffy—was full of community service. Together, he and Nancy dedicated countless hours to community causes and projects.  Jim was a life member of the Lost Acres Fire Department and served as president for over 20 of his 50 years of service. He served on the Town of Granby Board of Selectmen for over 16 years, including a stint as First Selectman. He was a member of the St. Marks AF&M Lodge and served as Grand Master in 1970. He was a devoted member of the West Granby United Methodist Church and served in several capacities, including trustee, lay reader, and head BBQ cook. He and Nancy both supported Granby 4-H and the Granby Historical Society. Brevity prevents listing the full spectrum of wisdom provided, programs and projects supported, or conversations had, but they were all memorable and impactful. Important lessons on tractors (always green), how to take apart and fix almost anything, vegetable gardening, frugality, southern wisdom, word pronunciation (it’s pah-con, not pea-can), and much more remain with everyone who took the opportunity to listen. 

He was pre-deceased by his wife, Nancy P. Oates (2014), and leaves behind sons Paul (Tracy), John (Linda), and Aaron (Diane), as well as his grandchildren, Lauren (Geoff) Cooke, Elijah (Jaci) and Ethan Oates, as well as the Missouri family. The family wishes to note the immense support provided by his caregivers over the past three years, including Irma, Andy, and Joe. We are also grateful for the care and compassion provided by Meadowbrook of Granby, particularly the staff of Unit 1 and Unit 3 and his favorite, ‘Beverly.’ 

Calling hours will be held at Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, Connecticut 06035, on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 1-3 p.m. A short memorial service will follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcomed by the Granby Ambulance Association or the Lost Acres Fire Department, Granby. For condolences or directions please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.