John Hughes Oakes Jr., born October 11, 1955, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, tragically passed away in the early evening of August 1, 2024. He leaves a legacy of kindness and devotion to his community. Growing up in Edison, John was a multi-sport athlete known for his athletic prowess, good looks, and overall good character. John attended JP Stevens High School, where he excelled in sports before continuing his basketball career at Montclair State University.
After college, John pursued a career as a professional billiards player, even competing several times at the World Open. During this time, he met Linda, his former wife, with whom he built a beautiful family, including their children John, Christine, and Lisa.
John naturally passed his athleticism to his children and became known as Coach. He coached town teams, travel teams, and AAU basketball, treating each player like his own child.
In later years, John moved to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where he spent the next 20 years. He cherished the friendships he made, enjoyed playing in various pool leagues, and enjoyed his walks through his community.
As a devout Christian, he never missed his Saturday 5:30 p.m. mass. He was a parishioner of Precious Blood of Christ in Pawleys Island and Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Murrells Inlet.
Many felt John’s generosity and love for others, and his physical presence will be deeply missed. However, he will continue to watch over his loved ones.
As his high school coach once said, John had a gigantic heart.
John is predeceased by his parents, Effie and John. He is survived by his son John, daughters, Christine and Lisa, son-in-law Ryan and granddaughter Mila Adrianna Also survived by his former wife, Linda.
He played a significant role in rebuilding Every Child Counts – a nonprofit school for children with learning, development, or physical disabilities after Hurricane Dorian devastated Abaco, Bahamas. ECC was near and dear to John’s heart. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to this worthy cause at
www.everychildcountsabaco.org
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Helena RC Church, 950 Grove Ave, Edison, NJ. Burial will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia in, NJ.
The mass will be livestreamed through the St. Helena website.
A Memorial Service in South Carolina to celebrate John’s life is planned for a later date.