James Thomas Oates

OatesDaphne, Alabama James Thomas Oates, also known as the Taxman, was born on December 11, 1937, at his maternal grandparent's home on St. Stephens Road in Whistler, Alabama. He was born on his maternal grandmother's birthday. Jim was the only child born to Pat Oates and Daisy Lee Burgess Oates. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Cangemi Oates and his parents. Education Jim graduated from St. Joseph Grammar School in 1952. Tuition was $3 per month. He attended McGill Institute and graduated in 1956. Tuition was $100-per year. He was president of his senior class of 130 students, all male. He went on to attend Spring Hill College, graduating in 1960 with a degree in business. Tuition was $400 per semester for a day student. Jim was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, US Army, Quartermaster, serving at Fort Lee, Virginia. At Spring Hill College, he was captain of "D" Company. He was a distinguished military student. Member of Scabbard and Blade, an honorary military society. Work Years Jim worked during high school selling advertising for newspaper space. In college, he worked as a film editor for a local television station. He served and worked in the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant Public Information Officer at Fort Lee, Virginia. Jim worked for International Paper Company, Mobile, Alabama, in Accounts Payable, Use Tax, and Cash Forecasts for a total of 22 years. He opened Oates Realty in Daphne. For 27 Years, his primary client was International Paper Realty. He dealt with land sales in Alabama, primarily in Baldwin County. He was a developer of business parks in Baldwin County. He had real estate interests on Ono Island, Fish River, and Daphne. Oates Income Tax Service opened in Daphne and operated for 35 years serving 50 states and Canada. Civic Work Jim served on the City of Daphne Planning Commission for 22 years. Ten (10) of those years serving as chairman. He served on the Baldwin County Board of Equalization for 8 years. Four (4) of those years serving as chairman. Interests Jim enjoyed growing camellias, amaryllis', Christmas cacti, persimmons, and other plants. He served as president of the Camellia Club of Mobile, president of the Gulf Coast Camellia Society; and director of the American Camellia Society. He was a life member of the Friends of Spring Hill College Library. He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Ryan Council, Daphne. He was a member of Christ the King Parish and a member of Guardian Angel of St. Michael Catholic High School. Estate Jim's estate goes to education (Pay back time) Saint Michael Catholic High School. Services Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 at 10:30 am from Christ the King Catholic Church, Daphne. Friends will be received one hour prior to service.   Graveside Service with Inurnment will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 at 12:00pm in Mobile Catholic Cemetery. ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEWFUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC.27409 US HWY 98DAPHNE, AL(251)625-2900www.wolfefuneralhomes.com