Oakley inducted into Communication Hall of Fame

The University of Alabama recently inducted James W. “Jim” Oakley Jr. into its College of Communication and Information Sciences Hall of Fame.

Oakley, who was raised in Bibb County, worked at the family business, the Centreville Press, from a young age. While at the University of Alabama he served on the news bureau and worked as a staff photographer. He earned his bachelor’s degree and became the publisher at the Press in 1972.

He has served in several roles throughout his lifetime including his current service on the board of directors for The Alabama Baptist newspaper. He also was president of the Alabama Press Association (1979–80) and served on the Alabama Commission of Higher Education (1971–85).

In 1984, Oakley was asked to teach journalism classes at the University of Alabama. He also was chairman of the university’s Media Planning Board (1986–2003). 

Oakley and his late wife, Shirley, have three children and eight grandchildren. He is a member of First Baptist Church, Centreville.  

(TAB)