Jon Oakley
The Recycler is sad to report the passing of Jon Oakley.
Oakley was trained as an electronics technician by the United States Navy at the US Naval Training Centre, and also attended St. Petersburg College in Florida and the University of Miami, and moved into the imaging industry in a number of roles from the 1980s until recently.
He began as an independent consultant from 1981 to 1984, before working for ICMI from 1985 to 1987, and latterly serving as Vice President of Marketing for Diamond Research Corporation from 1989 to 1990. He also co-founded the National Office Machine Service Association (NOMSA) in the United States, as well as working for Xerox as a Technical Representative, and in other roles at Information International and Black Copy Company.
Oakley’s friend and colleague Art Diamond discussed his life and achievements: “Jon Oakley, who once sailed with the US Navy, sailed away solo into the Great Beyond on February 20. He was a victim of malignant melanoma prior to reaching 70 this April.
“He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy Taylor Oakley, his mother Faye, son Chris and daughter Amber, and the 38-foot Morgan sailboat Free Spirit Jon and Nancy often sailed to Key West from their home in Florida’s Madeira Beach. Jon and Nancy married in 2001, shortly before she was named a Commissioner by the City of Madeira Beach.
“’Jonnie O’ was a Free Spirit indeed! He was an iconic figure in the imaging industry, perhaps the most sociable, gregarious and fun loving soul among his peers. He taught us to ‘seize each day’ and laugh both loud and often. He also proved to be one of the most resourceful, innovative and ingenious people I’ve ever met. He could fix anything mechanical or electrical, mix anything potable and bake everything delicious!
“Above all, as a sales and marketing professional, he was always the centre of attention. His clever humour and unflagging optimism drew many associates closer to Jon and to the company he served. Knowing ‘Jonnie O’ was a great blessing; losing him is a deep sorrow.”