Two days after John Oldham’s 75th birthday, his body relinquished the Leukemia fight and his spirit was called home to be with Jesus on Wednesday May 27th, 2020. John grew up in the North end of Tacoma, graduated from Stadium High School, and convinced a group of friends to join the Marine Corps with him in 1964. He enlisted under the buddy system, served as a LCpl under D Company 1st Battalion and bravely fought in Vietnam. John was honorably discharged in 1968 with many medals. On a sunny day in 1972, John won the heart of Nancy Jane and have been faithfully married for 47 years. Together they have three amazing children and six awesome grandchildren. John’s legacy and most treasured asset is his beautiful wife and family which he always attributed to God. John was a passionate and devout Catholic serving his community through the Knights of Columbus from St. Nicholas Parish. John through the Knights brought back Gig Harbor’s Blessing of the Fleet event after years of absence. He also served on various community committees and had a passion for the homeless. He believed everyone had the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and would never leave a man behind.
The Man and the Legends…
John has always been a humous jokester and the life of the party. Throughout the years, hunting and fishing experiences always resulted in death-defying adventures that he and his buddies could relive through numerous unbelievable but true stories. The desire to participate in John’s journeys usually outweighed the need for safety measures.
You’ll be greatly missed…
John cherished every moment and his family was his greatest legacy. John is survived through his beautiful wife Nancy Jane Oldham, his children Michelle Oldham-Smith, John Oldham, Mary Enos; his grandchildren Katelyn Oldham-Benway, Johnathen Oldham-Smith, Annaliese Oldham-Smith, Lily Oldham, Olivia Oldham-Smith and Amailia Enos; and John's sister Mary Jo Risse. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, unconditional love, and zest for life! Thank you for the beautiful life you’ve given us.
Providing the COVID-19 ban is lifted, on Friday, August 7th a memorial mass will be said at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor and a full military funeral at Tahoma National Cemetery.
You can to the family or in memory of John Oldham.
Events
Military Burial Details:
2:00PM
August 07, 2020
Tahoma National Cemetary, 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042
Funeral/Memorial Catholic Mass Details:
9:00AM
August 07, 2020
St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 3510 Rosedale St. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Details: Reception to follow
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JACOB D VANOMMEN
Sep 22, 2020
Rest in peace, John. My sincere condolences to Nancy and the Oldham clan.
Until we meet again in the promised land. Jack van Ommen. (picture 2004)
Louie Labayen
Sep 22, 2020
John got me active in the Knights of Columbus Gig Harbor Council by photographing the Blessing of the Fleet and other events. He introduced me to the important people in Gig Harbor including Mayor Gretchen and his own family. I have come to know the family in various functions, like Nancy for her interior decorating. One time in church, Nancy shared with me her experience of making her temporary promises in the Secular Carmelite Order. I had been brought up in the Carmelite tradition and I was joyful that there is a community here that she introduced me to. Many years later, I am a professed member and formator in the community and certifying as a spiritual director. I'm glad that John and Nancy were able to travel together in recent years.
Mark Redal
Sep 22, 2020
John epitomized the spirit of friendship! He was loyal to his family, to his church, to his friends, and to the community. He was a brave veteran and proud to be a marine. He was loyal, fun, and a good, kind man. I enjoyed hanging out with him and will miss our regular visits and conversations. John's faith in God was strong and he is now free of his pain. Rest in peace, my friend! We will meet again. Love and peace to your family from Mark & Diane
Tony Kurtz
Sep 22, 2020
Being new to the St. Nicholas Parish and a recent member of the Knights of Columbus I never had a chance to meet John. But now knowing of his reputation as a devoted family man, Knight of Columbus and his concerns for the homeless I know I have missed an opportunity to know this gentle man. May God shed his blessings on this family. Tony Kurtz
STACEY CORNETT
Sep 22, 2020
Our family lived next door to the Oldhams for years. Our daughter grew up with Michelle. John was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Condolences from our family and we will be thinking of you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - The Cornett Familly
Lency R Vasquez
Sep 22, 2020
I am honored and blessed to have known you mi buen hermano, rest in peace brother John. I pray that our Lord brings Nancy and family the much-needed peace during this sad time. My condolences Nancy and family.
Cynthia
Sep 22, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as we mourn the loss of your wonderful father. He has entered the kingdom and will watch over you all from there until it is time to meet again.
Cynthia and John Platon
Michelle
Sep 22, 2020
Thank you so much Tony, your concern and thoughtfulness has brought a smile to us. Thank you again for the food, it was such a blessing and delicious.
Guestbook
Rest in peace, John. My sincere condolences to Nancy and the Oldham clan. Until we meet again in the promised land. Jack van Ommen. (picture 2004)
John got me active in the Knights of Columbus Gig Harbor Council by photographing the Blessing of the Fleet and other events. He introduced me to the important people in Gig Harbor including Mayor Gretchen and his own family. I have come to know the family in various functions, like Nancy for her interior decorating. One time in church, Nancy shared with me her experience of making her temporary promises in the Secular Carmelite Order. I had been brought up in the Carmelite tradition and I was joyful that there is a community here that she introduced me to. Many years later, I am a professed member and formator in the community and certifying as a spiritual director. I'm glad that John and Nancy were able to travel together in recent years.
John epitomized the spirit of friendship! He was loyal to his family, to his church, to his friends, and to the community. He was a brave veteran and proud to be a marine. He was loyal, fun, and a good, kind man. I enjoyed hanging out with him and will miss our regular visits and conversations. John's faith in God was strong and he is now free of his pain. Rest in peace, my friend! We will meet again. Love and peace to your family from Mark & Diane
Being new to the St. Nicholas Parish and a recent member of the Knights of Columbus I never had a chance to meet John. But now knowing of his reputation as a devoted family man, Knight of Columbus and his concerns for the homeless I know I have missed an opportunity to know this gentle man. May God shed his blessings on this family. Tony Kurtz
Our family lived next door to the Oldhams for years. Our daughter grew up with Michelle. John was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Condolences from our family and we will be thinking of you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - The Cornett Familly
I am honored and blessed to have known you mi buen hermano, rest in peace brother John. I pray that our Lord brings Nancy and family the much-needed peace during this sad time. My condolences Nancy and family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as we mourn the loss of your wonderful father. He has entered the kingdom and will watch over you all from there until it is time to meet again. Cynthia and John Platon
Thank you so much Tony, your concern and thoughtfulness has brought a smile to us. Thank you again for the food, it was such a blessing and delicious.
Barbara Patterson sends their condolences.