Aborn athlete, Jim loved sports from an early age and excelled at whatever he tried. At Ardmore High School, he was anAll-American in football, track and wrestling. He went to Southeastern Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship, graduating with degrees in education and history. He set several state records while at SOSU, some of which remain unsurpassed today, nearly sixty years later.

After graduation, he accepted a position teaching and coaching at Sulphur Springs High School while attending East Central University at night studying for his Master’s. He spent fifteen years at Sulphur High School - teaching, coaching and as vice principal.

Life happened and Jimmy Jack moved away, traveling the country working for a seismographic company, ultimately settling in Palms Springs, California, where he stayed for several years until his heart told him to return to his roots, and again, Sulphur beckoned to him. He loved Sulphur and the people there reciprocated that love. He accepted a position teaching, this time in alternative education, which was a great fit for him. It was important to him to make a positive difference and he absolutely did. There are countless testimonials from former pupils expressing their gratitude and admiration of his commitment. It was also during this time that he put together the SHS Girls Track program. A particular source of pride for him, he talked with genuine excitement about the Sulphur girls qualifying for state this year.

At the age of 60 Jimmy Jack met and married the love of his life, Shelia. They spent the following 21 years together, only regretting they hadn’t met sooner. They were unequivocally devoted to one another and it was evident in his eyes at the mention of her name. They traveled extensively, sharing adventures and laughing the entire time. If there’s anything the man had mastered, it was having a good time and he shared the fun.

Jim was a native Ardmoreite and proud Tiger but a Sulphur Bulldog at heart. He took so much pride in his town, his friendships and the impact he had on the students he taught there. It was truly home to him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his youngest daughter, Christina Roth; sister Sherrie Sue Clark; nephews Brandon Harris and David Hargis.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories: his beloved wife, Shelia; daughter Stephanie Jordan, Jaye Foster and Betsy Clark; stepsons Jimmy Cargal and Greg Cargal & wife Daniella; sister and brotherin- law Mary Lee & Alan Harris; grandchildren Dave Jordan, Brinton Foster. Ande Foster, Natalie Fister and Isabella Cargal; sister-in-law Glenda Pabalate & husband Harold and nieces Amy Thompson & husband Jim. Ashley Burke and husband Brian and Cindy Garcia.

Pallbearers will be Dave Jordan, Brinton Foster, Mason Thompson, Dylan Thompson, Jim Thompson and Ben Burke.

Honorary pallbearers include Carl Melson, Jay Carter, Kenny Klaes, Dan Gordon, Tom Kennedy, Alan Harris, A.J. Gordon and Harold Pabalate.

Visitation will be held January 16, 2025 at Crossway Church chapel in Sulphur. Services to celebrate the life of Jimmy Jack will be held January 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Crossway Church sanctuary with Rev. Bill Leveridge officiating. Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery in Ardmore, OK.

Services are under the direction of Dearman Funeral Home.

•Printing