Jonathan Oakes

Jonathan Lee Oakes 52, of Sterling Heights, Michigan died suddenly on July 25, 2019. Jonathan was born in Canton, Ohio on August 28, 1966. He spent his childhood in Florida and Colorado. He attended Colorado State University where he obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering. After college he moved to the Troy, Michigan to work for Electrical Data Systems (EDS). He had a 30-year career in the automotive industry. He worked for several companies including General Motors, Chrysler and WABCO. Throughout his entire life, Jonathan had a love of the outdoors, and particularly fishing. He loved to fish --especially for bass. He joined a fishing club and competed in local bass fishing tournaments. He fished in a few pro-am tournaments and thoroughly enjoyed being out on Lake Saint Claire fishing for smallmouth bass. His bassboat was his most prized possession. He also liked watching sports of any kind and if he was watching a game he was always cheering for his favorite team or booing for the opposing team. Soon after moving to Michigan, Jonathan joined the Jaycees. There he met many people who would become lifelong friends. He had many leadership roles in the Jaycees. He ran community service projects for needy children and others in the community. While in the Jaycees he met Lisa Pierce who became his wife. On October 8, 1999 Jonathan married Lisa Pierce. Jonathan and Lisa were blessed with two wonderful children. He was so proud to be the father of Lauren and Kevin. He was a devoted husband and father. He loved his kids and celebrated their accomplishments. He loved to watch the kids play sports, perform in theater productions and play their musical instruments. Jonathan was the life of the party and was always fun to be around. He had a huge smile and a big heart. He was always willing to lend a hand to a friend in need. He was a true leader and often assumed the leadership role when something needed to get done in an efficient manner. When a good friend became disabled, he gathered a group of friends and built her a wheelchair ramp in just one day. Jonathan is survived by his wife, Lisa and children Lauren and Kevin, his father Orin and stepmother, Chris. He has two sisters Adrienne and Heather and seven nieces and nephews: TJ, Kalee, Ashleigh, Dylan, Jackson, Kellen and Harrison. He was predeceased by his mother, Karen. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Monday July 29 at Mandziuk Funeral Home 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 30th at 1 p.m. at St. John Episcopal Church 26998 Woodward Royal Oak, MI 48067. A graveside service will be held immediately afterward at Roseland Park Cemetery 29001 Woodward Ave Berkley, MI. The family would like to extend their thanks for the outpouring of love and support they have been given during this time. From the folks that dropped everything and came to the hospital to the meals and offers of anything needed. We are truly thankful and blessed by our friends and their support. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the college funds of Lauren and Kevin.

Jonathan Oakes

August 28, 1966 - July 25, 2019