James A. Mcgovern

James Arthur McGovern known by all as “Fritz,” 65, of Terlton, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Fritz was born February 15, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of James Arthur Buckley Sr. and Ida Santina (Rizzo) McGovern. During the time Fritz was growing up, he moved to many locations due to the fact his father was in the military. The last place they lived was in Neu Ulm, Germany. While living in Germany Fritz attended Augsburg American High School where he graduated. Following his graduation, he returned to Oklahoma and made his home in Lawton, Oklahoma. He then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he met Mary Catherine Red Leaf. The couple was united in marriage on December 31, 1998. The two remained in Tulsa and was soon the happy parents of a baby girl Santina Taylor. In early 2000, Fritz and Cathy moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma. Several years later they moved to Terlton where he has continued to reside. Fritz has always worked in residential and commercial construction as a plumber for over 30 years. He initially began working for Redding Mechanical which later became Midwest Mechanical.

Fritz was one that loved life to the fullest. Always enjoyed being outdoors camping, fishing, hunting and riding his motorcycle. Fritz and his friends have spent numerous hours fishing and catching hundreds of fish. He also enjoyed metal detecting finding treasures others have lost. Fritz loved the times spent with Taylor when she was younger taking her to the zoo, the aquarium and many other places. Fritz loved the times just sitting outdoors listening to nature which he did daily.

Survivors are his daughter Taylor McGovern of the home, two brothers Claude McGovern and his wife Renate of Gurley, Alabama, Mike McGovern and his wife Daphne of Haslett, Texas and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Fritz was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Monday at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Father Chris Daigle officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will follow in the Terlton Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 pm till 6:00 pm at Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com.