Virgil Wayne James, a man devoted to his faith and family, entered Heaven's Gates on April 23, 2021 at the age of 79. Virgil was born on November 4, 1941, to parents Charles James and Mary Francis Whitlow-James in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Just like his four siblings, he entered the world in his Grandma Whitlow's front bedroom. Virgil's formative years were spent running around the family farm and fishing at the nearby creek. Yet his favorite memories were riding and caring for their horses.
The majority of Virgil's educational years were in Pawnee, until his senior year of high school where they moved to Tonkawa, Oklahoma. Upon Tonkawa's high school graduation, Virgil enrolled in college at Northern Oklahoma College. Soon after, he joined the army as a teletype operator. Completing his active duty service, he returned to the Army Reserve as an E-7 Sergeant First Class and pursued a pharmacist degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
in 1962, Virgil was acquainted with a pretty lady named Judith Shoup while he was working at Gibble Gas, his father's gas station, in Hominy. Sparks flew as they dated for a year, before entering into matrimony on November 2nd, 1963. Virgil and Judy welcomed their first son, Gary, on August 25th, 1965. Their family was completed 5 years later on July 24th 1970, as daughter Brandy was born. A family man, Virgil enjoyed making memories with his wife, children, dogs, and later, his five grandchildren. Yet his faith was also important to him. Virgil could often be found outdoors: playing golf, fishing at the lake, or tending to their garden. Other hobbies included watching John Wayne movies and cheering for OU, Dallas Cowboys, and OKC Thunder.
Virgil went to work for Phillips Petroleum for a brief time before starting a life-long career with Bridgestone (Firestone). He ultimately opened his own store on 23rd and Rockwell in Bethany, Oklahoma. When Virgil ultimately retired from Bridgestone, he was asked to return to the company to become a traveling auditor. He accepted the position on one condition: that he could only work on the months that he wasn't playing golf. After Virgil's second retirement, he enjoyed his days at home with Judy. His favorite time together was during Christmas and the holidays. Virgil passed peacefully on April 23rd surrounded by his loved ones and his own familiar belongings at his home in Yukon.
Virgil is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Mary James, grandparents, and three brothers. Virgil is survived by his wife and love of his life for 58 years, Judy James; son Gary (and wife Donna) James, daughter Brandy (and husband Randy) Pruitt; granddaughter Baylee Pruitt and grandsons Trey Fox, Logan Fox, Brady Pruitt, and Justin Pruitt; great granddaughter Liberty Faith Fox and soon to be great-grandson Leviticus Wayne Fox; sister Sandy Klevorn; and many other family, friends, and church family.
Donations may be made in honor of Virgil to Town and Country Christian Church,2200 Cornwell Dr, Yukon, OK 73099.
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