James Mckee

James Coppers McKee (Coppie) (Jim) born August 26, 1949, in Napa, CA to Donald James McKee and Minnaleigh McAffrey McKee, passed away peacefully at age 63 years, Sunday, October 21, 2012 at home in Vinita, OK, after years of suffering from Post Polio Syndrome. He was predeceased by his father; Grandparents James Arthur (Boone) and Jewelle Coppers McAffrey, Welch, OK; Walton and Gladys McKee, Napa, CA; Step-father Ben Czaja, Tulsa, OK; Father-in-law Cecil McMullin, Chelsea, OK; first wife Kim McCall McKee, South Carolina. Jim is survived by his loving wife Linda McKee of the home; Son James Coppers McKee, Jr. South Carolina; Mother Leigh Czaja, Tulsa, OK; Brother Alan Hampleman, Ocala, FL; Half-brother David McKee; Half-sisters Leslie McKee and Robin McKee, all of Napa, CA; Step children, Teri Brown of Adair, Kenny "Bub" Brown and wife Sandra of Wagoner; Mother-in-Law Virginia McMullin, Chelsea, OK; Sisters-in-law Sherry and Judy McMullin, Chelsea, OK; Patsy Tune, Big Cabin, OK; Step-Granddaughter Bailee Downing, Eureka Springs, AR; Step-sisters Theresa Leger (Mike), Stillwater, OK; Carolyn Czaja, Vernon, TX. Jim is also survived by special and loved Step-father Wayne Hampleman, Orlando, FL who loved and reared Jim from age 5 to Manhood; very loved nephew Adam Hampleman, Orlando, FL; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins and Aunt Jessie Barber of Sonoma, CA. Jim was very proud of his Cherokee Indian heritage from the McAffrey family. Jim had that gift since a very young age of being the Entertainer wherever he was; everyone would be laughing at his remarks, stories, and his delivery. His Mom always said when he was in College that he majored in FUN. Jim was a Crappie fisherman, taught by his Grandpa Boone on Grand Lake, Gulf of Mexico with Wayne, or any other puddle of water they could find. His first occupation was Undercover Investigator in Alabama and South Carolina, later working for Oklahoma DOC. At the age of two, Jim was stricken with Polio, paralyzed from the neck down and was in San Francisco Children's Hospital for months. He was so determined that he walked with braces up to both hips and did most things that little boys do. He loved Coach Sooter in Welch because he put him in the game and let him play with team. Two surgeries on his legs and feet did not help. Visitation will be Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita, OK. Family will be receiving from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2012, at the St. John's Episcopal Church, 522 W Canadian, Vinita, OK. Interment at Welch Cemetery, Welch, OK following services. Memorial may be sent to the ASPCA, 520 8th Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com

Visitation Details

Thursday, October 25th, 2012 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Friday, October 26th, 2012 2:00pm, St. John's Episcopal Church

Interment Details

Welch Cemetery