James Harold Julian Oakley, age 73, of Green Mountain, passed away on Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of Bradenton, FL, he was a son of Judy Oakley of Palmetto, FL and the late Lowell Oakley.
James proudly served his community through his work with the Palmetto and Hardee Police Departments, where he was known for his dedication, integrity, and steady presence. A man of deep faith and service, he was a faithful member of the Zion Baptist Church in Green Mountain. James found joy in tending to his garden, crafting beautiful pieces through woodworking, and cooking meals for family and friends. He was also an enthusiastic amateur meteorologist, sharing his passion for weather through a Facebook blog that followed conditions in both Florida and North Carolina.
Left to cherish his memory in addition to his mother Judy, is his wife of 30 years, Kaye McGuire Oakley; daughters: Jaime Deese (Greg) of Tampa, FL and Darcey Reecher (Aaron) of Bradenton, FL; son, Kyle Oakley (Amy) of Hardee County, FL; step-daughter, Keeley Ables (Chris) of Louisville, KY; step-son, Parrish Holmes (Autumn) of Benson, NC; grandchildren: Arden Holmes of Louisville, KY, Ezra Holmes and Violet Mae Holmes, both of Benson, NC, Joshua Deese and Lydia Deese, both of Tampa, FL and Jacob Reecher of Bradenton, FL; sisters: Jennifer Roseboom (Rodney) of Palmetto, FL, Jody Riley (Bart) of Franklin, TN and Joni Olsen (Phil) of Kentucky; and half-sister, Liz Dillon (John) of Virginia.
The family will receive friends from 1 until 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 28th at Zion Baptist Church. Funeral Services will follow at 2 p.m. with Dr. Shane Gunter officiating., with music under the direction of Renee Robinson. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Chris Ables, Arden Holmes, Parrish Holmes, Anthony Hughes, Jeremiah Ayers, Kaleb Tipton, Tim Robinson and Charles Fender.
To send online condolences, please visit: yanceyfuneralservice.com