Obie's Brother Passes

By Jerry Gaudet

With great sadness we learned that Obie Oakley's brother died last week.  Our sympathies go out to Obie and his family.

James Franklin Oakley CHARLOTTE - James Franklin Oakley was born on Christmas Eve 1944 and passed away peacefully on October 25, 2013 in Charlotte, NC. Born in Newport News, VA to Osborne C. Oakley, Sr. and Katherine Ledwell Oakley; Jim grew up in Charlotte, graduating from East Mecklenburg High School before attending UNC-CH. He joined the family business and later enlisted in the US Army with the 20th Special Forces, where he earned his paratrooper wings, Green Beret and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant. Following his military service, Jim's entrepreneurial spirit took over, and he opened the Earth Shoe store in the '70s with partner Doug Johnson. His expertise in electronics and communication skills drew him back to the family business, Interstate Graphics, where he set up and managed one of the area's first sophisticated computer typesetting installations. The urge to explore new horizons lured him to Boston and later Baltimore, where he became an international consultant in the electronic publishing field. Jim's love of family brought him back to Charlotte, where he helped care for his parents for many years. He established Spectrum Type & Art twenty-three years ago with sister Kathy Buckley and partners Bill Lands and Glen Williamson. The graphic design company later created Charlotte Living magazine, where he was Publisher at the time of his death. Jim was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed golf with his regular group and loved to ride his motorcycle through the Carolina countryside. Music was his passion, and he enjoyed playing guitar and singing. He loved and was loved by his family, including his many extended families. He was pre-deceased by his parents and nephew, Gary Oakley. Jim is survived by brothers, Osborne C. Oakley, Jr. (Frances), Ronald H. Oakley; sister, Katherine O. Buckley (Larry); daughters, Rosemary Ferguson and Rachel Rose; nieces, Cindy O. Canup (Eric), Wendy O. Mauney (David), Trendi O. Vita (Mark); grandnephews, Alexander Mauney, Stephen Mauney, Justin Vita and Blake Vita. Jim shared his life with best friend and life partner, Donna Frierson. Jim will be remembered as a gentle man with an infectious smile and magnetic personality. He was a visionary with cherished friends from all walks of life. He will be truly missed. A service in his memory will be held at noon on Tuesday, October 29th at Central Church of God, 5301 Sardis Road. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allegro Foundation,...A Champion for Children with Disabilities, 419 Ardmore Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209. Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service; please share condolences online at www.hankinsandwhittington.com.

Published in Charlotte Observer from Oct. 27 to Oct. 28, 2013

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