James "Jim" Oliver Oates

James Oliver "Jim" Oates, a resident of Dothan, entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 31, 2025, surrounded by his family at the age of 87.

Jim was born on March 04, 1937 to Robert and Ethel Oates in Americus, GA. He graduated from Cairo High School in 1955 and attended and graduated college from Georgia Southern University. His career was spent in the field of Parks and Recreation where he was the Director in Dalton, Carrollton, and Cobb Counties in GA. He then worked in the Department of Natural Resources in Georgia before he moved to Dothan, AL to become the Director of Parks and Recreation, now known as the Dothan Leisure Services from 1977-1998. He was a faithful member of Cloverdale Baptist Church.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Ethel Oates; his father and mother in law, Charles and Virginia David; his sisters, Carolyn Oates and Bobbie Carter; brother in law, Fred Carter; grandson, Robbie Brinson; brother in laws, Gil and Britt David.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pennie Oates, Dothan; sons, Reid Oates (Karen) of Cobbtown, GA; Chuck Oates (Shannon) of Mobile, AL; grandchildren, Taylor Melvin (Michael); Madison Atchison (Colin); Makenzie Dempsey (Cole); Carolyn Oates; Bayleigh Oates; Great-grandchildren, AJ Melvin, Alaina Melvin, Asher Melvin, Catherine Atchison, Wesley Athchison, Maia Oates,  and Price Taylor Dempsey; sister in law, Dorothy Brantley (Billy); and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at the Cloverdale Baptist Church with Pastor Alan Bryan officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 4-6 PM at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.  

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Cloverdale Baptist Church, 806 Dexter Street, Dothan, AL; Dothan Botanical Gardens, 5130 Headland Ave., Dothan AL 36303; or Dothan Leisure Services Special Olympics, 501 Recreation Rd., Dothan, AL 36303.

The family would like to thank Pam, with Home Instead as well as Jada and Mackenzie with Gentiva Hospice for their care.

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