John Richard Oakes

John Richard Oakes, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 4, 2024, at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls, Idaho. John had lung cancer and fought a courageous fight.

John was born April 28, 1945, in Oakland, California, to Clayton Austin Oakes Sr. and Mary Ann Fugundes Oakes. He grew up and attended schools in Southern California. John was in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1968, and served on the USS Bon Homme Richard Aircraft Carrier along with three tours in Vietnam.

John made his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Layton, Utah, where he worked as a carpenter and builder. He and his brother, Mike, worked together doing hardwood floors over much of Southeastern Idaho. John returned to Idaho Falls after living in Layton in his older years after he suffered a serious fall at home. He allowed Mike and DeAnna to help him as he recovered fully from this injury.

He was a very independent and head-strong individual who did not like to ask for help. John showed his gratitude for help by his words, actions, and deeds.

He loved the outdoors and often went hunting, fishing, and camping. One of his passions was attending Mountain Man Rendezvous with his family and friends. John made beautiful bead work for his buckskin clothing and truly looked like an original mountain man.

John was a member of the Catholic Church.

John is survived by his brothers, Michael D. (DeAnna H. White) Oakes of Idaho Falls, ID and Phillip O. (Carol) Oakes of Middleton, Idaho; and sister-in-law, Pat Oakes of Buffalo, KS, whose spouse was Clayton A. Oakes II.  John has nephews, Clayton (Kelly) Oakes of Edwardsville, KS, Danny (Jill) Oakes of Liberty Hill, TX, Jamie (Angie) Oakes of Overland Park, KS, Joshua (Veronica) Oakes of Spokane Valley, WA, Jeff (Danielle) Oakes of Idaho Falls, ID, Shane (Jen) Oakes of Redmond, OR; and nieces, April Oakes of Lawrence, KS, Amber (Jeremy) Venema of La Center, WA, Amanda (Paul) Korth of Lewisville, ID, Kimberly (Logan) Garrett of Woodruff, SC, and J.C. Oakes of Idaho Falls, ID, and Kristie Oakes of Star, ID.

He is preceded in death by his father, Clayton A. Oakes Sr.; mother, Mary Ann Oakes; and brothers, Clayton A. Oakes II and Paul E. Oakes.

John did not want any services and has requested to be cremated. He asked his brother, Mike, to take him to Mesa Falls in the Spring.