Jerry DeWayne James, 69, of McAlester, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, at St. Francis Hospital in Muskogee.

The family will welcome friends for visitation on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in Hartshorne. Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 28, at 2:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in Hartshorne, with Pastor Terry Sensibaugh officiating. Burial will follow at Bache-Red Oak Cemetery in Bache. Pallbearers are Michael James, Donavan James-Gonzales, Robert James, B. J. Cox, Jeff Sharp, and Jason Sharp.

Jerry James was Born on Dec. 21, 1955 in El Paso, Texas to Alva and Ruby (Shelton) James. His family moved to Dow, where Jerry grew up. He attended school in Haileyville and graduated from Haileyville High School. After high school he joined the U. S. Army, and served his country for over 20 years, until his retirement with the rank of Staff Sargeant. At that point he returned to Pittsburg County, and worked at the State Penitentiary until his retirement 10 years ago. Jerry enjoyed watching old movies and listening to his favorite country music.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Nam James; a daughter, Sandra James; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cynthia James; grandchildren, Catherine James, Christina James, Orianna James, DeAnna James, Donavan James-Gonzales, Midori James, and Breanna James; a brother, Donny James; and 2 sisters-in-law, Karen James and Nancy James. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers, Johnny , Larry, and Roy "Pete" James.