John “Jack” Oates passed away March 10, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Jack was born November 5, 1943, in Derby, CT. He attended Fairfield Preparatory School, received a BS in physics from Fairfield University, and an MS in math from the University of Connecticut.
He enjoyed a long and productive career at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Jack was instrumental in implementing the NHTSA “Click it or Ticket” safety belt campaign and formalizing drug recognition field sobriety tests. He always said his favorite job was driving trucks for the family business, Oates Brothers.
Jack loved running and completed over 50 marathons and other races. His passions in life were his family, baseball, travel, and his faith.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, John F. Oates, Sr., and Mary Regan Oates, and brother, Michael Oates. He is survived by Alice, his wife of 37 years; brothers Carroll (Roberta) and Patrick (Lori); sons David (Marnie), Tom, and daughter Amy; sisters-in-law Maureen, Carolyn (Chris); and many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service is scheduled for March 27, 2026, at Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia. Interment will be at Pohick Episcopal Church, Lorton, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Fairfield Preparatory School, Fairfield, CT; Williamsburg Landing Adult Day and NAMASTE, Williamsburg, VA; Gentiva Hospice, Williamsburg, VA; and Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, VA.
