James West

James William West, age 85 of Tribbey, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022. James was born March 22, 1936 in Gracemont, OK and was one of ten children born to Gilmore Willie West and Golda Mae (Clark) West. He was primarily raised in Ninnekah where he attended school, graduating as an Ninnekah Owl with the Class of 1954. In 1957, the Chickasha recruiting office signed its newest recruit. James joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country until 1961. After his time in the Air Force, he worked as a sheet metal worker at Tinker Air Force Base, and retired from Civil Service after more than 36 years of dedicated service. In God's perfect timing, a mutual friend introduced James to a young lady named Theresa Neely West. They fell in love and were married on October 14, 1981 in Purcell. With this union, James became a father to Theresa's four children who consider him their saving grace. Away from work, James stayed busy tinkering on stuff, messing with old cars, woodworking, and attending game nights with friends. Jim enjoyed garage sales, playing dominos, reading Louis L'Amour novels, watching westerns, but most of all he enjoyed his wife's cooking. James is known for mixing his cornbread and chocolate cake with milk, never passing up a dish of ice cream, and being the best handyman there ever was. He and Theresa traveled whenever they could, and were fortunate to visit many scenic places like Alaska and the Dakotas. James looked forward to their annual family trip to Colorado and riding 4 wheelers in the mountains. He was a man of great faith and longtime member of the Memorial Assembly of God Church in Purcell. He was a wonderful husband and father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. There are no words to describe just how dearly missed he will be. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Theresa Ann West in September of 2021; parents, Gilmore and Golda West and siblings, Ray West, Georgia Lehar, Delbert West, G.W. West, Juanita Lucas, and Mitchell West. James is survived by: his children, Paul West and wife Gail of Broken Arrow, Mike West and wife Kenza of Florida, Barry West and wife Anita of Elgin, Brian West and wife Amy of Parsons, Kansas, Brandon West and wife Kim of Edmond, Maresa Bettes and husband Brad of Lexington; Sisters, Cora Biehl of Midwest City and Pairlee Winstone and husband Jerry of Ninnekah, OK; brother, Kenneth West and wife Sherry of Alex, OK; James also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Memorial Assembly of God Church in Purcell. Interment will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. Send online condolences @ www.wilsonlittle.com.

James West

March 22, 1936 - January 20, 2022