Melvin James

Melvin James was reunited with his loving wife of 62 years, Billie, on November 11, 2013. He was in his home and surrounded by his family as he peacefully entered his eternal life on his 90th birthday. Melvin was born in Miami, OK on November 11, 1923 to George Washington and Arizona James. He attended school in White Oak and Vinita. Melvin began building metal lathes for the Navy in 1944 in Denver, CO and was exempt from military service because of this essential work. He decided to answer the call and join the U.S. Navy through Norman, OK in 1944. He served in WWII as a U.S. Navy Seaman 2nd Class on the USS Hermitage on the Pacific front. He returned stateside in April of 1946. On February 2, 1947 he married Billie Jean Epperson in Columbus, KS. His occupation took them to several locations throughout Colorado and Oklahoma. They called Vinita home for several years before settling in Chelsea along with their four children in 1967. After decades as a construction foreman for WR Grimshaw, Manhattan, Batson-Cooke, and FlintCo, he retired and began selling used cars. Melvin was an avid hunter and fisherman; he enjoyed hunting coon, bird, and deer. He also enjoyed raising cattle and working outdoors, and he passed on this tradition to his children and grandchildren. Melvin's most important roles in life were being a father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with children, grandchildren, family, and friends. This sweet, caring, honorable father, grandfather, uncle, and friend will be missed by all who knew him. Survivors include daughter Nicky Harris and husband Lee Greenwood of Chelsea; sons Brad James and wife Darla of Wagoner, Brent James of Chelsea, and Chris James and wife Debbie of Chelsea; grandchildren Errin Clocker and husband Kevin, Lindsey Harris and Shelly Miller, Eric Harris and wife Sarah, Dusty Gregory, Emily James, Callie James, Danielle Gregory, Katy James, Bailey James, and Wendy Miller; great-grandchildren Rylee Clocker, Reid Clocker, Adalynn Harris, and Chase Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Billie Jean James; one granddaughter, Angela Harris; seven brothers, Jess, Forest, Doc, Bill, Frank, Charlie and L.V.; and five sisters, Ethel, Bertie, Lina, Iva, and Lola. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Chelsea with Rev. Ruth Campbell officiating. Interment and Military Rites to follow at the White Oak Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Thursday, November 14th, 2013 2:00pm, First Baptist Church - Chelsea

Interment Details

White Oak Cemetery