James John Oates, Jr., a former Charleroi business owner and fiercely proud Irishman died Wednesday, November 23, at his Roscoe home. He was 86.

Mr. Oates was well-known throughout the community as the cheerful barkeep who owned and operated Jimmy Oates’ Pub on Lincoln Avenue for nearly a decade. The bar was known for its St. Patrick’s Day parties, annual pig roast, and a fantastic fish sandwich.

In addition to owning the bar, Mr. Oates worked for Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, laboring in mills throughout the mid-Mon Valley, and eventually retiring from his last position at the former Allenport plant.

Mr. Oates, who was president of the Charleroi High School Class of 1951, was a standout athlete who played multiple sports, and who was celebrated for his prowess on the football field. His soft Irish heart never got in the way of his competitive nature.

Following graduation, Mr. Oates enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for four years aboard the U.S.S. Cobbler (S.S. 344) a submarine that patrolled the Eastern seaboard.

In 1956, Mr. Oates married the love of his life, the former Joanne Van Varenberg.  The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary on November 17th.  Mr. Oates’ biggest sense of pride came from their long union and the family it created including, James Oates III, of Roscoe; Kelly Scharbo and her husband, Charles, of Jefferson Hills; and Darlene Oates, of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Oates was a member of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in Charleroi, the American Legion Post 801 in Roscoe and the Allenport Rod and Gun Club.

In addition to his wife and children, Mr. Oates is survived by his sister, Mary Jane Aponaswicz and her husband, John, of Charleroi, and his grandchildren, Charlie James Scharbo and Julia Oates.

He was preceded in death by his parents James John Oates, Sr. and Della Stone Oates, and a brother, Robert Oates.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 28th  from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on at Schrock-Hogan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 226 Fallowfield Avenue, Charleroi.

Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Gerald Mikonis on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Mary, Mother of the Church, 7th Street at Washington Avenue, Charleroi.  Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Coal Center with full military rites conducted by the Roscoe American Legion.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.schrock-hogan.com.

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