Edward Lee James

Funeral services for Edward Lee James of Cleveland, Oklahoma will be held Thursday, December 21, 2007 at 10:00 am in the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mickey Ellis officiating. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Pawnee, Oklahoma under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Edward Lee was born July 24, 1939 in Huntington, Texas the son of Willie, Jr. and Isabell Rachel (Garcia) James. As a young man Edward Lee grew up in the Huntington and Kirbyville, Texas area graduating from Newton High School. After high school Edward Lee joined the U.S. Army Reserves. On January 12, 1962, Mr. James was united in marriage to Ida Mae Eshelman in Kirbyville, Texas. They made their initial home at Ft. Polk, Louisiana due to the fact that Edward Lee was called to active duty during the Vietnam War. In 1963, Edward Lee moved his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma. He accepted a position with the City of Tulsa. Edward Lee later began working for C.E. Natco in West Tulsa as a pipe fitter. Edward Lee continued to work for C.E. Natco until the closure of the company. He then gained employment at Hissom State School in Sand Springs. Mr. James was later transferred to the Enid State School where he retired. In 1972, Edward Lee moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma where he has continued to reside.

Edward Lee enjoyed the time with his family especially his grandchildren. He was also a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cleveland. Edward and Ida were foster parents to many children for many years including Mahala, Amanda and Billy.

Mr. James passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at his home in Cleveland at the age of 68 years 4 months and 24 days. In addition to his parents Edward Lee was preceded in death by his son Curtis in 2003 and a sister Jennette Cole.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 46 years Ida of the home; son, Carl James; three daughters, Rebecca West and husband Brad; Stephanie Roberts and husband Tim; Jennifer James and Brandon Ransom all of Cleveland, Oklahoma; one sister, Jeanie Low of Vidor, Texas; three brothers, Charles James of Vidor, Texas; Eric James of Denham Springs, Louisiana; Jerry James of Vancover, Washington; grandchildren, Ryan James, Zachery Roberts, Kristen, Logan and Madison West, Darrell, Brandon, Jeremy, Joseph, Noah and Rachel James a special grandson, Scott Lee Crown as well as a host of other relatives and friends.