Henry "Jack" Clay James

Henry Clay "Jack" James, 102 years old, of Duncan, Oklahoma, went to his final resting place with the Lord on Friday, June 5, 2026. Jack was born west of Waurika, on a dry land farm, on September 6, 1923, to William and Helen (Davis) James. From his very early childhood, Jack learned how to cultivate, sow and harvest wheat along with plant and pick cotton. That heritage taught Jack a work ethic that carried him his long, full, and hardworking life defined by resilience, devotion, and a deep love for family framed by his commitment to Jesus Christ.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army. After his Honorable Discharge, he worked in the mines of Colorado, west Texas oilfields as well as on off-shore Louisiana drilling rigs. Returning to Waurika, he forged a diverse and adventurous career. He owned a gas station, a lumber yard a grocery store and was a home builder. He built, owned and operated the Heritage Inn on South 81 Highway in Duncan along with the adjacent James Mini-Storage. He also at one time served as the Mayor of Waurika, Oklahoma. Jack was very active in the Waurika Church of Christ and later at the Eastside Church of Christ. In both churches, he directed numerous building projects. No matter the job, Jack approached every task with determination, skill, and an unwavering work ethic.

In 1942, Jack married Ona Lee James, and together they built a life rooted in love and a six children family. Unfortunately, Ona Lee passed away October 9, 1981. Later, he was introduced by mutual friends to Betty Seat of Duncan (whose husband had passed in 1979) and found many common values. Betty and Jack were married on June 4, 1983. After a long marriage, Betty preceded Jack in death in 2023. Jack's capacity for love, loyalty, and companionship was one of his greatest gifts.

Jack is survived by his children: Darlene Newberry of Duncan, Larry and Jeanie James of Waurika, Linda and Edward Trout of Waurika, Sharon and Danny Beaver of Tyler, Texas, and Gaylon and Charles Wadsworth of Waurika. From Betty, David and Mary Seat of Edmond, and Linda and Tim Ford of Colleyville, Texas plus 18 grandchildren from Jack and 20 grandchildren from Betty; and a number of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Jack is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jackie James; brothers, Ben Browning James, David Lawrence James; and his sisters, Lavara Johnson, Odell Bowen, Mary Conners, and Lois Thurman.

Viewing will be held at Whitt Funeral Home on Thursday, June 11, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, June 12, at Eastside Church of Christ with Ron Stough officiating. Interment will follow at Waurika Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Amyx Tye-Clay James, Bruce Beaver, Ty Ford, Eric Newberry, Dave Seat, and David Verschorr III.

Honorary pallbearers include Jon Marc Newberry, Kevin Trout, Rob Seat, Wes Gotcher, Sam Ford, Cole Ford, Jason Beaver, Joey Spencer and Matthew Wadsworth.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.

















 

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