Remembering Jim
May 4, 1935 - August 15, 2022
In memorium
James "Jim" Oakland passed from this life just past midnight, Monday, August 15, 2022.
He had been hospitalized for two days following a stroke on Friday. He was 87 years old.
He is survived by his wife: Helen, son: Bob, daughter: Sui Joan, four grandchildren: Morgan, Jaclyn, Liam, and Hayley, and sister: Joyce Denton.
He had been hospitalized for two days following a stroke on Friday. He was 87 years old.
He is survived by his wife: Helen, son: Bob, daughter: Sui Joan, four grandchildren: Morgan, Jaclyn, Liam, and Hayley, and sister: Joyce Denton.
Preacher
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Life Album
Jim's Family
Memorial
A memorial service for immediate family was held at Recompose in Seattle on August 25, 2022. Fulfilling his wishes, JIm's body is returned to the earth in nature's most expedient way through the process of natural decomposition.
A friend in southern Utah has for years managed great comfort from the thought that on his own death and cremation, the molecules of his body will be released, taken up by hundreds of other life forms. That’s immortality, brother! |
I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, |
Donations: "Flowers" for the earth
Gifts of flowers mean a lot. Jim would have liked the idea of "flowers for the earth," sending a gift to help sustain and heal the natural world in place of memorial flowers. If you are drawn to making a gift, please consider donating to one of the organizations that Jim supported during his lifetime.
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Tributes
Thank you to everyone who has written us to remember Jim.
If you would like to add a tribute to this page, please send yours to us through the Contact Page.
If you would like to add a tribute to this page, please send yours to us through the Contact Page.
On behalf of all of us at the Marine Science Center, I wanted to express our deep sadness at Jim's passing. Jim's life and spirit really reflected the essence of this organization: life-long learning, love of the environment, and never ending curiosity. We take inspiration from Jim and will miss him dearly.
~ Marine Science Center, Port Townsend
Though saddened by the news of Jim's death I have fond memories of our time together at Fuller when he was not only my professor but more importantly my beloved mentor and friend. He is missed but those memories remain vivid and alive in my soul. Helen, pieces of your wonderful artwork hang in several of the rooms in our Vermont home, as well as in the hallway of my Middlebury office.
~ Roger Marum
It was my privilege to know Jim and Helen since our early Seattle days together when our kids were very young. Jim was always a thoughtful, caring person who loved to learn and had an enthusiasm for life. As couples and families we shared many wonderful times together. I’m grateful to have known him and send my deepest sympathy to you, Helen, and all the family.
~ Bobbie Spradley
I was so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Our thoughts are with you. I really admired Uncle Jim, and always wished I could have spent more time with him. His love of nature, birds, and wildlife is something that I always thought of when I got into birding and wildlife photography. His love of books and curiosity of the world around him is something that I looked up to.
~ Brent Soderberg
I was so sad to hear about Jim. I always loved speaking with him as he seemed to have knowledge on just about anything and everything. We’re thinking of you, Joan and Bob. Sending our love to you all.
~ Melinda Soderberg
As kids, when Jim would visit the family farm, he and I had great times together. As life got busier and distance got further our visits were less frequent. Jackie and I did travel with Jim and Helen along with my sister Jean and her husband Mack to Baja, Ca. We all rented a motorhome which I drove, and a great time was had by all! Jim and Helen did visit the farm a few times. One time in particular Jim and I explored the old house south of the main house where our grandparents homesteaded. While searching the old house, Jim found some old letters in the attic, a few of those letters were very special to Jim as they were written by his mother to her parents. They were a great treasure to Jim. On a few other visits Jim and Helen made to the farm, Jim shared his interest in birds. We have been bird watchers ever since. Jackie and I did make a trip out to see Jim and Helen in Washington. The visit was great just like all the times we got together, and it was our first experience on a ferry, wow! Life gets so busy, and distance becomes a challenge, but our thoughts and memories are what keep us close. Jim will truly be missed, but he will live in our hearts as the special cousin and friend he was. Our Love and deepest sympathy,
~ Bob & Jackie Schlicht
There is so much to be said about Jim. His love of nature was just a part of who he was. He spent a lifetime enjoying it and learning more about it. He was such an inspiration to you as well. I have often thought that we learn so much from the person that we marry and I know that you certainly benefited from him. And of course, he from you. You both had so much to offer and so much talent and wisdom to share. From those early days when you and Jim took me in. I especially remember when you had Bob and I was going to cook one of your favorite dishes for Jim while you were in the hospital! Well, I won't go into detail, but I didn't know pasta had to be precooked! We had some good laughs over that! Jim was patient, kind and always helpful! So many years - so many memories! Your kids turned out so beautifully. You did something very right there! And the grandkids too! Together you accomplished so very much. And hopefully we got to learn from you! Jim will be greatly greatly missed. I hope your days will be filled with those memories! You are both dearly loved!
~ Ginny Gambill
Helen, What a wonderful tribute you and yours have created. Many of these photos remind me of the days of dinners with you and Jim and your good friends, the Bushells. You are the last of that Merry Band, and I hope you are well.
Jim was a dear and gentle soul and a shining light in the QUUF ALPs program (one of the first to organize movie/documentary nights, as I recall) and is fondly remembered.
~ Joyce Francis
Although we did not get to meet Jim, we feel so blessed in knowing his son, Bob, and daughter-in-law, Catheryn, and their three lovely daughters. When our son proposed to Jaclyn, we met “Gram” - such a wonderful lady, and we are so glad to be a part of such strength of character, that no doubt Jim fostered for this fine family. Our time was cut short, Sui, at the wedding weekend, and we look forward to getting to know you better! Holding you all in our thoughts and prayers as you walk this path.
~ Tracy & Laura Wilson
In my youth, when I first came to know my Uncle Jim--and when I most often saw him--I was struck by two things. First, his and Aunt Helen's home was the only one I'd ever seen that had--or seemed to me to have--bona fide library stacks instead of bookshelves lining its walls, each containing books about art, nature, philosophy, ethics. It was a marvel. Second, the inhabitants of that house had clearly read, absorbed, and internalized the contents of those books, and, further, had succeeded in living out the truths they encountered within those thousands of pages. This was a staggering thing to me, to feel intuitively that I was in the presence of a kind of intellectualism to which I knew one, if he or she were to really make the most of life, ought to aspire. That it was entirely without hubris or pretension made it all the more remarkable. It was utterly contagious.
Here was a man who was gifted, gentle, wryly funny, and kind, a man who had willfully, almost stubbornly (all those ferries!), surrounded himself with the gifts of nature he treasured: a scent of ocean mist, a curtain of towering Douglas firs, an impossible vista of mountains.
Jim's humble and quiet manner belied one further truth: his immense pride in his children and then, later, his grandchildren. Jim had no need to brag about them; the sparkle in his eyes when he merely spoke their names was all you would ever need to see to know how proud of them he was.
Looking out now on the woods that surround me, on the vineyard to the south and the bucolic pasture to the east, I think of Uncle Jim and hope that his eyes might sparkle a bit if he could see and speak of me now, just the faintest hint of avuncular pride behind them.
~ Brian Maselli
I was only 13 when Jim married my sister, and I have many great memories of this fine man who shared Helen’s life for the past 67 years. When I married Dom after recently losing my dad, Jim stepped in to walk me down the aisle. He was my first “brother” and he and Helen produced my first nephew and niece. I’ve delighted to watch Bob and Joan/Sui grow up to be such warm and wonderful adults, truly a credit to their parents! We so admired Jim’s love of nature, his dogs, beautiful music, books, and of course, my sister! So sad to lose this special family member and keeping all of you dear ones in our thoughts and prayers as you experience this bittersweet time of mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Dom and I send you all our love.
~ Lois Maselli
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim and Helen have been dear friends for many decades. I can remember in my early twenty’s having a conversation with Jim about my dissatisfaction with my job and the desire to do something where I had a purpose. In his typical calm and logical way, he encouraged me to pursue that and gave me some suggestions of how to get started—ultimately on a career as a teacher that would bring joy and fulfillment I could never have anticipated. We have remained friends for many decades. I’ve always respected Jim for his ability and commitment to being a good listener and his logical, gentle way of communicating. I know his family will deeply feel this loss and hope they know how deeply respected he was by so many.
~ Mary Richards
I knew that Jim was declining with dementia and yet the news of his death comes as a shock. He was the only “parent” I ever really had and I feel his death deeply. I can’t imagine what his loss means to you but I trust you have support from family and friends. I wish you the best.
~ A. Glasser
It feels like something both expected and shocking. I suppose for anyone like Jim who has felt for me so deeply important and central in my life it is shocking that they too will die. I'm so glad you've had your family with you through this ending process.
~ T. Hanson
I'm so sorry for your loss, but understand the bitter sweetness of it all. Mom lost her compass when Dad died and I'm sure you are feeling the same. Please know that Jim's spirit lives on with the woodlands surrounding the Peary home as well as the birds rejoicing in the feeders and water bath (as do the deer) and sanctuary he created for this corner of heaven. Sending healing thoughts to you all.
~ D. King
Your parents have been forever friends in my heart, for years! Dear Helen has rescued me during several quilting projects! Before my Chuck died, we shared many happy moments together. Unforgettable! I hold you in my heart & prayers during this very sensitive time.
~ B. Dohner
I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a loved and cherished dad, and can only imagine what it is like to say goodbye to a partner of 67 years. I have lovely memories of Jim and his generosity to me when I joined his family. I remember our long conversations about politics and the way of the world, and his desire to understand my thought processes. I can picture him in his easy chair with Freddie and Fifer nestling on their backs into the crook of Jim's arms. And Jim expertly reading a book at the same time!! I will always remember Jim as a generous and kind man with a very strong connection to the natural world. I never heard Jim speak unkindly of anyone, excepting, perhaps, Republican presidents, or their candidates!
~ M. Sandford
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I have many special memories of time with them on Bainbridge. Loved your Dad's knowledge and interest in birds and nature. And will remember his quiet and calm spirit, laugh and smile.
~ S. & M. Bardwell
So sorry to hear this news. Jim was a wonderful neighbor. I remember when he helped our niece Jennifer when she accidentally depleted the charge in our Prius she was driving while cat sitting for us. Jim to the rescue!
~ P. Lyle
I have just learned of Jim's death. I am so sorry. As you know, Jim and I were pretty avid book readers and we enjoyed discussing each book in some details with each other. Of course they were natural science books, our mutual obsession! I value my memories of our discussions, at your house, so much as it kept me connected with him as our ties with the Unitarian Fellowship loosened. And it allowed me the change to keep my wits sharp in the company of his strong mind and enthusiasm for learning; especially learning more and more about who humans are and how we came to be who we are. I believe that I am a more enlightened man because of my friendship with Jim. He is dear to me in my heart and mind.
~ D. Beatty
Grandpa was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. I find a lot of peace knowing his passing was just what he wanted -- without intervention, as comfortable as possible, and with you by his side, Gram. I hope that brings you comfort.
~ Jaclyn
May your Dad find his way through the mystery and into whatever lies beyond. Relief and grief l find difficult to hold at the same time. When I think of your Dad what stands out is his deep and resonant voice - so pleasant and calming. I also remember him as smiling and quietly upbeat. I'm sorry that your Dad and you and your family had to go through the pain and suffering of these the last few years. May we all have loving companions to "carry us" on our life's final journey.
~ J. Schlack
~ Marine Science Center, Port Townsend
Though saddened by the news of Jim's death I have fond memories of our time together at Fuller when he was not only my professor but more importantly my beloved mentor and friend. He is missed but those memories remain vivid and alive in my soul. Helen, pieces of your wonderful artwork hang in several of the rooms in our Vermont home, as well as in the hallway of my Middlebury office.
~ Roger Marum
It was my privilege to know Jim and Helen since our early Seattle days together when our kids were very young. Jim was always a thoughtful, caring person who loved to learn and had an enthusiasm for life. As couples and families we shared many wonderful times together. I’m grateful to have known him and send my deepest sympathy to you, Helen, and all the family.
~ Bobbie Spradley
I was so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Our thoughts are with you. I really admired Uncle Jim, and always wished I could have spent more time with him. His love of nature, birds, and wildlife is something that I always thought of when I got into birding and wildlife photography. His love of books and curiosity of the world around him is something that I looked up to.
~ Brent Soderberg
I was so sad to hear about Jim. I always loved speaking with him as he seemed to have knowledge on just about anything and everything. We’re thinking of you, Joan and Bob. Sending our love to you all.
~ Melinda Soderberg
As kids, when Jim would visit the family farm, he and I had great times together. As life got busier and distance got further our visits were less frequent. Jackie and I did travel with Jim and Helen along with my sister Jean and her husband Mack to Baja, Ca. We all rented a motorhome which I drove, and a great time was had by all! Jim and Helen did visit the farm a few times. One time in particular Jim and I explored the old house south of the main house where our grandparents homesteaded. While searching the old house, Jim found some old letters in the attic, a few of those letters were very special to Jim as they were written by his mother to her parents. They were a great treasure to Jim. On a few other visits Jim and Helen made to the farm, Jim shared his interest in birds. We have been bird watchers ever since. Jackie and I did make a trip out to see Jim and Helen in Washington. The visit was great just like all the times we got together, and it was our first experience on a ferry, wow! Life gets so busy, and distance becomes a challenge, but our thoughts and memories are what keep us close. Jim will truly be missed, but he will live in our hearts as the special cousin and friend he was. Our Love and deepest sympathy,
~ Bob & Jackie Schlicht
There is so much to be said about Jim. His love of nature was just a part of who he was. He spent a lifetime enjoying it and learning more about it. He was such an inspiration to you as well. I have often thought that we learn so much from the person that we marry and I know that you certainly benefited from him. And of course, he from you. You both had so much to offer and so much talent and wisdom to share. From those early days when you and Jim took me in. I especially remember when you had Bob and I was going to cook one of your favorite dishes for Jim while you were in the hospital! Well, I won't go into detail, but I didn't know pasta had to be precooked! We had some good laughs over that! Jim was patient, kind and always helpful! So many years - so many memories! Your kids turned out so beautifully. You did something very right there! And the grandkids too! Together you accomplished so very much. And hopefully we got to learn from you! Jim will be greatly greatly missed. I hope your days will be filled with those memories! You are both dearly loved!
~ Ginny Gambill
Helen, What a wonderful tribute you and yours have created. Many of these photos remind me of the days of dinners with you and Jim and your good friends, the Bushells. You are the last of that Merry Band, and I hope you are well.
Jim was a dear and gentle soul and a shining light in the QUUF ALPs program (one of the first to organize movie/documentary nights, as I recall) and is fondly remembered.
~ Joyce Francis
Although we did not get to meet Jim, we feel so blessed in knowing his son, Bob, and daughter-in-law, Catheryn, and their three lovely daughters. When our son proposed to Jaclyn, we met “Gram” - such a wonderful lady, and we are so glad to be a part of such strength of character, that no doubt Jim fostered for this fine family. Our time was cut short, Sui, at the wedding weekend, and we look forward to getting to know you better! Holding you all in our thoughts and prayers as you walk this path.
~ Tracy & Laura Wilson
In my youth, when I first came to know my Uncle Jim--and when I most often saw him--I was struck by two things. First, his and Aunt Helen's home was the only one I'd ever seen that had--or seemed to me to have--bona fide library stacks instead of bookshelves lining its walls, each containing books about art, nature, philosophy, ethics. It was a marvel. Second, the inhabitants of that house had clearly read, absorbed, and internalized the contents of those books, and, further, had succeeded in living out the truths they encountered within those thousands of pages. This was a staggering thing to me, to feel intuitively that I was in the presence of a kind of intellectualism to which I knew one, if he or she were to really make the most of life, ought to aspire. That it was entirely without hubris or pretension made it all the more remarkable. It was utterly contagious.
Here was a man who was gifted, gentle, wryly funny, and kind, a man who had willfully, almost stubbornly (all those ferries!), surrounded himself with the gifts of nature he treasured: a scent of ocean mist, a curtain of towering Douglas firs, an impossible vista of mountains.
Jim's humble and quiet manner belied one further truth: his immense pride in his children and then, later, his grandchildren. Jim had no need to brag about them; the sparkle in his eyes when he merely spoke their names was all you would ever need to see to know how proud of them he was.
Looking out now on the woods that surround me, on the vineyard to the south and the bucolic pasture to the east, I think of Uncle Jim and hope that his eyes might sparkle a bit if he could see and speak of me now, just the faintest hint of avuncular pride behind them.
~ Brian Maselli
I was only 13 when Jim married my sister, and I have many great memories of this fine man who shared Helen’s life for the past 67 years. When I married Dom after recently losing my dad, Jim stepped in to walk me down the aisle. He was my first “brother” and he and Helen produced my first nephew and niece. I’ve delighted to watch Bob and Joan/Sui grow up to be such warm and wonderful adults, truly a credit to their parents! We so admired Jim’s love of nature, his dogs, beautiful music, books, and of course, my sister! So sad to lose this special family member and keeping all of you dear ones in our thoughts and prayers as you experience this bittersweet time of mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Dom and I send you all our love.
~ Lois Maselli
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim and Helen have been dear friends for many decades. I can remember in my early twenty’s having a conversation with Jim about my dissatisfaction with my job and the desire to do something where I had a purpose. In his typical calm and logical way, he encouraged me to pursue that and gave me some suggestions of how to get started—ultimately on a career as a teacher that would bring joy and fulfillment I could never have anticipated. We have remained friends for many decades. I’ve always respected Jim for his ability and commitment to being a good listener and his logical, gentle way of communicating. I know his family will deeply feel this loss and hope they know how deeply respected he was by so many.
~ Mary Richards
I knew that Jim was declining with dementia and yet the news of his death comes as a shock. He was the only “parent” I ever really had and I feel his death deeply. I can’t imagine what his loss means to you but I trust you have support from family and friends. I wish you the best.
~ A. Glasser
It feels like something both expected and shocking. I suppose for anyone like Jim who has felt for me so deeply important and central in my life it is shocking that they too will die. I'm so glad you've had your family with you through this ending process.
~ T. Hanson
I'm so sorry for your loss, but understand the bitter sweetness of it all. Mom lost her compass when Dad died and I'm sure you are feeling the same. Please know that Jim's spirit lives on with the woodlands surrounding the Peary home as well as the birds rejoicing in the feeders and water bath (as do the deer) and sanctuary he created for this corner of heaven. Sending healing thoughts to you all.
~ D. King
Your parents have been forever friends in my heart, for years! Dear Helen has rescued me during several quilting projects! Before my Chuck died, we shared many happy moments together. Unforgettable! I hold you in my heart & prayers during this very sensitive time.
~ B. Dohner
I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a loved and cherished dad, and can only imagine what it is like to say goodbye to a partner of 67 years. I have lovely memories of Jim and his generosity to me when I joined his family. I remember our long conversations about politics and the way of the world, and his desire to understand my thought processes. I can picture him in his easy chair with Freddie and Fifer nestling on their backs into the crook of Jim's arms. And Jim expertly reading a book at the same time!! I will always remember Jim as a generous and kind man with a very strong connection to the natural world. I never heard Jim speak unkindly of anyone, excepting, perhaps, Republican presidents, or their candidates!
~ M. Sandford
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I have many special memories of time with them on Bainbridge. Loved your Dad's knowledge and interest in birds and nature. And will remember his quiet and calm spirit, laugh and smile.
~ S. & M. Bardwell
So sorry to hear this news. Jim was a wonderful neighbor. I remember when he helped our niece Jennifer when she accidentally depleted the charge in our Prius she was driving while cat sitting for us. Jim to the rescue!
~ P. Lyle
I have just learned of Jim's death. I am so sorry. As you know, Jim and I were pretty avid book readers and we enjoyed discussing each book in some details with each other. Of course they were natural science books, our mutual obsession! I value my memories of our discussions, at your house, so much as it kept me connected with him as our ties with the Unitarian Fellowship loosened. And it allowed me the change to keep my wits sharp in the company of his strong mind and enthusiasm for learning; especially learning more and more about who humans are and how we came to be who we are. I believe that I am a more enlightened man because of my friendship with Jim. He is dear to me in my heart and mind.
~ D. Beatty
Grandpa was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. I find a lot of peace knowing his passing was just what he wanted -- without intervention, as comfortable as possible, and with you by his side, Gram. I hope that brings you comfort.
~ Jaclyn
May your Dad find his way through the mystery and into whatever lies beyond. Relief and grief l find difficult to hold at the same time. When I think of your Dad what stands out is his deep and resonant voice - so pleasant and calming. I also remember him as smiling and quietly upbeat. I'm sorry that your Dad and you and your family had to go through the pain and suffering of these the last few years. May we all have loving companions to "carry us" on our life's final journey.
~ J. Schlack
Goodbye Jim. Thanks for being here.
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