James Oaklief

James L. Oaklief, 91, of Bellaire, passed away on April 5, 2014 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility.

Jim was born in Bloomington, IL, to E.A. Oaklief and Besse Birch... ..which starts a great "family tree"! He was the second youngest of five children. He had three older sisters, two of which were twins and one younger brother. Jim's claim to fame as a young boy was to go skiing while being pulled by a truck!

Most of Jim's early years were spent in south west Wisconsin which remained his home state. He met his future wife Barbara there. Jim attended the University of Wisconsin until he was drafted into the Army and served during World War II.

Jim and Barbara were married for 55 years and had three children... .two boys and the youngest being a girl... .they moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin where all kids graduated from school to attend a university.

Jim and Barb were great ball room dancers and loved playing all types of card games. As the kids left the roost they found themselves moving north and living on Big Cedar Lake. By then Jim had left the plumbing and heating business to become a successful businessman with an advertising company which he owned and operated for 30 years.

During this time Jim sat on the Hartford Hospital Board and State Bank of Slinger. He was commissioner on Cedar Lake and was a faithful Rotarian where he received the coveted Paul Harris Award. Jim was always there to lend a hand where needed.

Jim moved to Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in December of 2011 and brings much laughter and joy to all with his sense of humor and his bright smile.

On February 20th he celebrated being 91 years young.

Jim will be buried in Union Cemetery, Slinger, Wisconsin.

No services are planned for the present time.

Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church in the Hills, Bellaire.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.