James Lee Wagner

James Lee “Jim” Wagner was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on March 13, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife; his parents; his younger sister, Janice Story; and a host of other family members who had gone before him. After a long battle with heart problems, Jim was ready to go home.

He is survived by his daughter, Kim Stephens and her husband Eric of Yukon; granddaughter Heather Johnson and her husband Jed of Yukon; granddaughter Haiden Stephens of Yukon and grandson Tylar Beer and his wife Chesnie of Yukon; his younger brother, Jerry Wagner and his wife Joyce of Piedmont, Oklahoma; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jim was born on July 5, 1934, to Lloyd E. Wagner and Avis Marie (Cook) Wagner at his grandmother’s farm home west of Mustang, Oklahoma. He was born just one day after what would have been his late maternal grandfather James Cook’s birthday, for whom he was named. He was delivered by Dr. Warren of Yukon, who had been celebrating the Fourth of July and reportedly needed nearly two pots of coffee before he was ready for the job.

He graduated from Yukon High School in 1952 as part of a small and close-knit class. Jim went on to attend Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) Technical School in Stillwater, where he studied aircraft mechanics. In July 1954, he joined the United States Air Force and served four years at Amarillo Air Force Base, teaching aircraft electrical systems.

Jim married Virginia Niles Wagner on February 26, 1955, in El Reno, Oklahoma. The couple began their life together in Amarillo, Texas, before returning to El Reno in 1959. Both went to work at Western Electric in Oklahoma City, where Jim performed final testing and inspections, including work on early step-by-step switching systems designed to enable direct long-distance dialing, while Virginia served as a secretary in engineering.

Their only daughter, Kimberly “Kim” Wagner, was born on January 10, 1961, in El Reno. Jim often joked that they “went for quality instead of quantity.” That same year, the family purchased a boat, and many weekends were spent enjoying Oklahoma’s lakes and water skiing.

In 1963, Jim and Virginia purchased their first home in Yukon. The following year, Jim became a regional sales representative for the Ford Motor Company Philco Division, covering northeastern Oklahoma, which led the family to relocate to Tulsa. In 1969, they incorporated Green County Automotive, Inc., and in 1970 began statewide distribution for two major manufacturers. They remained in Tulsa until 1980, when they built a warehouse south of Yukon along Highway 92 and relocated their business operations there. In September 2025, they celebrated 56 years in business.

In 1994, Jim and Virginia founded United Gospel Music Association, Inc., promoting Southern Gospel concerts throughout Oklahoma. Their mission was to share the message of Jesus Christ through music. With the help of The Lesters of St. Louis, Missouri, they hosted their first concert in Yukon on March 3, 1995, and over the years worked with many of the most well-known groups and artists in gospel music.

Beginning in October 1999, Jim and Virginia enjoyed traveling together on cruises and land tours. In 2000, Jim semi-retired, turning much of the business over to contracted jobbers, which allowed them more time to explore the world. Over the years, they visited many places, often taking one or two trips annually.

Virginia passed away on February 12, 2018. Jim missed her deeply every day and looked forward to being reunited with her, along with their family, in their eternal home.

Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A time for family and friends to visit will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary. A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Christ Church of Yukon, with burial to follow at Yukon Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary of Yukon, Oklahoma.

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