Mercy Mourns the Passing of Dedicated Supporter Jim Oakey

Together with the Sisters of Mercy, we mourn the untimely loss of Mr. Jim Oakey, former chair and current member of the Mercy High School Board of Trustees, generous benefactor, enthusiastic supporter, and dear friend of Mercy.  

As president of Good Samaritan Hospital and later CEO of Helix Health System, Mr. Oakey's leadership was felt in powerful ways beyond our campus. Baltimore—and Mercy—are better because of Mr. Oakey's extraordinary vision, determination and dedication.

Among Mr. Oakey's many contributions to Mercy was his deep commitment to building what became The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Auditorium for our Mercy Girls and for the larger community. We are deeply grateful for his leadership gift honoring his beloved mother, Helen, for whom the lobby is named. He also played a critical role in securing a $1 million gift from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

We extend sincere condolences to his wife, Pam, as well as his Mercy Girls—his daughters, Maureen Oakey Mason ’85, Kathy Oakey Sanders ’89, Suzie Oakey Gearhart ’91, and Joanne Oakey ’97; daughter-in-law, JoAnna Varsalone Shuba Oakey ’90; and granddaughters, Megan Oakey ’10, Mary Oakey ’12, and Caroline Oakey ’13—and his sons, Mike P’10, ’12, Patrick P’13, John, Mark, and Matt, and their families. We hold the entire Oakey family in prayer.

Arrangements: Visitation, Wednesday, June 20, 2-4 p.m., 7-9 p.m., Mitchell Wiedefeld Funeral Home, 6500 York Road, Baltimore, MD  21212; private burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of James Oakey to Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, payable to: Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital, Office of Philanthropy, Russell Morgan Bldg. Suite 200, 5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21239 or Mercy High School Development Office 1300 East Northern Parkway Baltimore, MD 21239.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.