James Levon Doerksen

James Levon "Jim" Doerksen, son of Pete R. and Nettie Neufeld Doerksen, was born on May 22, 1940, near Inman, Kansas. He grew up on the family wheat farm, graduated from Inman High School, and attended Bethel Mennonite Church. After serving as a civil servant at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in California, his lifelong love of drawing trucks led a friend to encourage him to take a drafting class. That decision inspired him to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and he graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor's degree in 1969.

Jim spent 25 years in Research and Development with Halliburton Energy Services, contributing to projects across the United States and internationally while earning several patents. During his time at Halliburton, he met the love of his life, Barbara "Sue" Williams, and they were married on November 28, 1970.

Jim and Sue made their home on five acres outside Marlow, Oklahoma, where they raised their three children: Jimmy, David, and Carrie. Jim became well known throughout the community for his antique truck restorations, including his beloved 1953 Bullnose Kenworth, Wooly Bully, and his 1942 Chevrolet, Ole Slow Poke. He also created whimsical sculptures from vintage farm implements, affectionately known as his "Gooney Birds," which became a familiar landmark on the family property.

A gifted storyteller, Jim never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a kind word, a warm smile, and a laugh. During retirement, he proudly drove Wooly Bully across the country through his involvement with the Antique Truck Historical Society, sharing his passion with fellow enthusiasts. Above all, Jim cherished his family. As a devoted grandfather, he delighted in giving rides on tractors, his Cushman, and his scooter. His love and devotion to Sue never wavered, and he faithfully rode his scooter to visit her at Elks Crossing several times each week.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Terry. He is survived by his wife, Sue; sons: Jimmy and his wife Carol of Phoenix, AZ, and David of Titusville, FL; daughter, Carrie and her husband Kyle Gray of Piedmont, Ok; grandsons: William Marshall and his wife Chandra and their sons, Guinness and Liam, JP Gray and Caleb Gray; sister, Jan Woods; and sister-in-law Lois Doerksen.

The family will receive visitors at Whitt Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 1, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral services are planned for 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 2, in the Whitt Funeral Home Chapel with Tracy Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in the Marlow Cemetery.

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


 

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