JACK OAKES R.I.P.

Paul Vanes writes:

JACK OAKES R.I.P.

Jack Oakes born 1923 died 2012, aged 89.

We are sorry to have to tell you of the death of another grand old Brake, Jack Oakes who was born in Wolvey but lived most of his life in Bulkington where his father was the station master. While at the Bulkington School he played in the football team that reached the quarter finals of the English Schools FA trophy in 1936 which was a tremendous feat for a village school. After service with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, Jack had a trial with West Bromwich Albion and in 1948 joined Nuneaton Borough as a full back before becoming player/manager Les Latham’s third signing for Lockheed Leamington on December 1st 1949 although he made his debut at the Windmill ground against in the hastily arranged friendly with Chelsea “A” on the 19th of the previous month at left back.

Partnered alongside his former Borough colleague Stockley, the full backs enjoyed a season that helped put Lockheed on the semi professional map as Jack appeared a couple of dozen times and on 22nd June 1950, Jack joined Bedworth Town then moved on to Hinckley Athletic in season 1951/52 where he played 36 games. He wound down his footballing career with Newdigate Colliery and Bedworth Trent Valley thus releasing him to continue his other sporting loves of cricket firstly with Newdigate Colliery then Bedworth CC and golf. Jack captained the Bedworth first eleven as a hard hitting number four batsman and was a stand-on wicket keeper. He was a valued member of Atherstone Golf Club where he often partnered the young Paul Broadhurst who later achieved Ryder Cup fame. He spent most of his working life with Rolls Royce at Parkside and Ansty.

Jack and his wife Joan, who died seven years ago, had four sons who followed in their fathers footsteps enjoying sporting fame, Dennis the eldest son captained Bedworth Cricket Club after playing for England schoolboys, Warwickshire and the England Amateur Xl. He also played football as an apprentice with Coventry City then making over for 200 appearances for Notts County and Peterborough finishing with Nuneaton Borough and Tamworth.

Alan was also with Bedworth Town, a keen golfer and marathon runner; Keith played for Peterborough, Newport County, Gillingham, Fulham and back to Peterborough again making over 550 appearances and scoring 48 goals; Malcolm also played for Bedworth Town and Bedworth Cricket Club. Dennis said Jack never pushed them into sport but growing up around football and cricket, he did set an example. All his life he was a stickler for good manners, he played hard but fair and always within the rules and he drilled that into all four of us.

Rest in Peace Jack

To Dennis, Malcom, Alan, and Keith and their relatives, kindly accept the sincere condolences of all Brakes Trust members and Leamington Football Club fans. The funeral took place this morning at the Heart of England Crematorium.in Attleborough Fields.

Thanks to the staff of the Nuneaton News for allowing us to use the thoughtful obituary of Mort Birch.