James Junior Busby, better known by all as “Junior,” was born December 11, 1939, in Dougherty, to the late James C. “Jim” and Martha E. (McCray) Busby. He died on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Sulphur, at the age of 84. Junior and the late Patricia Ann “Pat” Barnett were united in marriage on September 4, 1959, in Davis. She preceded him in death on January 26, 2021.
Growing up, Junior and his family lived in several places; however, the Dougherty/Davis area was always home.After graduating from Davis High School, Class of 1957, Junior attended Oklahoma City University, prior to joining the International Union of Operating Engineers in July 1959. Throughout the next 40+ years he worked as a crane operator, retiring in the early 2000’s.
Junior and Pat traveled the United States for both work and pleasure, being in most of the lower forty-eight states. Together they enjoyed going to area garage sales, as he was always looking for the next great buy. Junior also enjoyed raising chickens, collecting antiques, and visiting area casinos. In younger years, Junior and Pat were very active members of the Davis Range Riders Club.
Survivors include his son, Randall Dean “Randy” Busby and partner Rob Gilliam, of Davis; two daughters, Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Busby, and Paula Jean Cockrell, both of Moore; three grandchildren, Maddie Cockrell, Chelsea Busby, and Blake Busby; two great-grandchildren, Ayden McDonald, and Channing Busby; and one brother, Paul Busby and wife Trudy.
Graveside services were held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the Green Hill Cemetery, in Davis.
Services are entrusted to HALE’S FUNERAL HOME, DAVIS. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.
