James David Oakes

Mr. James David Oakes, age 57 of Columbia, Tennessee, a native of Sparta, passed away Saturday evening October 7, 2023 at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tennessee.

David was born March 31, 1966 in Sparta, Tennessee. A 1984 graduate of White County High School, he was a member of the tennis team and drummer in the Marching Band. In fact, his love of playing the drums would continue throughout his life. He worked as a carpenter where his eye for meticulous detail provided well for him and his niche in the finishing details of a home. David loved spending his extra time at his family’s cabin with his girls and grandchildren, where he enjoyed tinkering on the cabin and fishing. David will always be remembered as an instant friend to those he met, fun and encouraging to everyone, always leaving them with an enthusiastic YERT!

Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his four daughters: Halle Oakes, Ellah Oakes, Summer Gray and husband Sam, Peyton Barron and husband Robby

Grandchildren: Anabelle Gray, Bennett Barron, Barrett Barron, Georgia Owen and Grayson Oakes

Parents: Jim and Sandra Oakes

Brother: Robert Oakes and wife Sylinia

Nieces: Laney Crosland and husband Cole, Sophie Clark and husband Kade

Mother of his children: Michelle Oakes

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Tuesday at Hunter Funeral Home. John Knox will officiate.

Rodney Hutson, Matt McClain, Robby Barron, Sam Gray, Doug Shapiro and Wayne Farris will serve the family as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Todd Bohannon, Mark Merryman, Jeff Gore, Paul Holeman and Mark Ray.