More detail on this person: James (Jim) P. Oatfield was born 8 August 1943 to Robert Francis and Alviria Annis (Moisey) Oatfield in Alberta, Canada. He passed away 1 August, 2017 following emergency surgery. Jim had been fighting the effects of type 2 diabetes for several years. He was on a respirator before surgery and did not wake up after the surgery. His wife Hilary, son ROB and daughters Veronica and Madonna were with him. Jim was raised in San Pedro, California where he graduated from High School. He entered the US Army in 1961. Jim was highly decorated having received the following medals and awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart (2 OLC), Air Medal (34 awards), Air Medal with "V", Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Bar (4 Awards), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and The Master Aviator Badge. His military education included the following: UH-1 Instructor Pilot Course, Air Crew Life Support Officer Course, Aviation Warrant Officer Advanced Course, Rotary Wing Flight Examiner's Course, Essential Medical Training AMEDD Aviation Course and C-12 Initial Ground School Course. Jim held the following Specialty Number Titles: 153B UH-1 pilot 12 Years, 153A C-12 Pilot 8 years, 153BC Uh1 Instructor Pilot 12 Years and 153BP UH-1 Instructor Pilot Flight Examiner 8 Years. His civilian education included a Bachelor's degree from Chaminade University in International Relations and a Master's degree from Boston University in Political Science. Jim continued flying after his military retirement. He flew Kiowas in New Guinea for Air Fast Helicopter Company and flew Kiowas for five years with the World Health Organization in Western Africa. He also worked with Cubic Corporation at Fort Irwin, California for three years as an Aviation Training Analyst. Jim was a sensitive and dedicated Family Man with a keen sense of humor and infectious laugh. He was an author, master story teller and jokester who enjoyed being around people. His passion was fishing, especially fly fishing. He went on many fishing excursions with his son for many years. He was also an ardent Seattle Seahawks fan who in later years loved to watch the Seahawks games on TV with his two dogs close by or in his lap. Jim is survived by his wife Hilary, three children, six grandchildren, a brother, stepmother, nephew and niece.
This information was last updated 08/18/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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