With great sadness, our patriarch, Jim, Dad, Poppop passed away on July 14, 2021, after a valiant fight with cancer. He was a prince among men. He loved his family and was the consummate caregiver.
Jim’s life was full of adventure with his birth in Madill, Okla. Some of his of fondest memories were growing up in Madill. Jim was a Navy veteran...having spent those years in a tin can cruising the Mediterranean. He moved on to a career in the field of aviation beginning as an air traffic controller to the position of managing the purchase of civil aviation aircraft N1. Jim’s talent was sought by the highest levels of the government.
On the fun side, Jim offered his talents as a film actor. Acting was fueled during his college days. Jim took acting classes then signed with an agent and the rest is history, landing roles as key characters to extras in film.
Jim never met a stranger. For instance, he was eating breakfast at a local diner and began talking to another patron. The two talked about the game of cribbage. From there, a foursome morning cribbage game was formed.
He was known to help many people. Without question, if someone said they needed tires on their vehicle, he would say go to Firestone and get tires on my account. If you said, “I need,” Jim was going to fill that need.
Jim’s presence will be missed. He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Gale, daughters, Suzie and Mandy, and his bonus children, Johnny and Dawn. In addition, Jim leaves grandchildren, great grandchildren, in-laws, outlaws (unnamed), nieces, cousins and others to celebrate his life. Many lives were changed by knowing him.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.