OK Obits

© Stilwell (OK) Democrat Journal
July 2008
Submitted by: Martha Real

Thank You For Your Service!

James Oatman Eaton

February 26, 1925 ~ July 20, 2008

James Oatman Eaton died on Sunday, July 20, at his home in Shelton, WA. He was 83. He was born on February 26, 1925 in Stilwell, Oklahoma, to Raymond Earvin and Effie (Gordon) Eaton. He had seven brothers and seven sisters.

He was a member of the Cherokee Nation. He served in the Marine Corps for 23 years, including service in campaigns in the South Pacific during World War II where he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. After the war he worked in the American Embassy in Oslo, Norway, where he met and married Kari Kolseth on October 20, 1951. They moved to Virginia where he worked for Marine Corps intelligence as a liaison to the U.S. Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. Two more assignments took him to Honolulu, Hawaii, then to Camp Pendleton, California, where he retired as a gunnery sergeant in 1967. The Eatons then moved to their permanent home in Shelton. Mr. Eaton went to work as a corrections officer for the Washinton State Department of Corrections until he retired in 1987. While raising his family and working for the Department of Corrections, he earned an associate's degree in criminology and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Saint Martin's University.

He loved raising animals on his property and was especially fond of horses. His family said he was a very loving and caring man who touched many people with his generosity and compassion. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, the American Legion and National Rifle Association.

Surviving are wife Kari (Kolseth) Eaton and sons; James Eaton Jr., John Eaton and Jeff Eaton. He was preceded in death by son Joey Eaton.

A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Shelton Memorial Park. Pastor Frank Woodall will officiate. A celebration of Mr. Eaton's life will follow at 3 pm at the Eaton residence, Friends are encouraged to attend. Arrangements are by Forest Funeral Home in Shelton.

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