GERALD M. "JERRY" OAKLEY ~ Class of 1951
July 10, 1933 - February 5, 2007

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Mr. Gerald "Jerry" M. Oakley of Stockton, passed away Monday February 5, 2007 in a Stockton hospital at the age of 73. Jerry was born July 10, 1933 in Highmore, SD to Herbert and Hazel Oakley.

He owned and operated Gerald M. Oakley Construction Co. in Stockton for many years before retiring in 2000. He also owned and operated Jerry Oakley Sky Diving School in Hollister, CA. Jerry was a Korean War Veteran. He spent his 4 year duty on the ship USS Paricutin. In 1968 Jerry met and the love of his life Pauline Brooks, shortly thereafter they married and together they started their family in Sunnyvale, CA. Jerry was also a master woodworker. He built from the bare hull a sail boat in which they lived for several years in Redwood City. Besides the passion for sky diving, Jerry was also an avid fan of football and golf. He will be best remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Pauline Oakley of Stockton; 3 sons, Steven Smith of Santa Cruz; Keith Smith of Galt; Michael Smith of San Jose; 2 daughters, Lisa Reynolds of Lodi; Misti Oakley of Antioch; 1 brother, Manley Oakley of Renton, WA and 8 grandchildren. Also, many friends in the Richland, WA area, for he kept in touch with a large part of his graduating class of 1951.

He was preceded in death by 1 brother and 2 sisters.

An informal memorial gathering will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday February 24, 2007 at 1608 Lake Street, Lodi. Arrangements are by the Lodi Funeral Home.

Published in The Record on 2/18/2007.

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