James Newell Dunlap

James Newell Dunlap was born in Yale, Oklahoma on March 5, 1926. He was the oldest child of Rufus Dunlap and Elsie Tharp Dunlap. Jim, as he was known by his family and friends, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2010 at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Claremore. Jim was raised and attended school in Jennings, graduating from Jennings High School in 1944. Shortly after graduation, Jim enlisted into the service of his country in the United States Navy. He was stationed in California and returned to Oklahoma in November when he was married to Doris Irene Martin on November 19, 1944. Jim and Doris were married for nearly sixty-six years raising one son, James, (Jimmie) Leroy Dunlap. Jim had a long career in the oilfield working as a field agent and later supervisor for TRW-Reda Pump. Throughout his long career, Jim worked in the oilfields in Kansas, Wyoming, California, Texas and Oklahoma; retiring in 1987. The couple moved frequently during Jimís career but maintained their primary residence in Jennings. Jim was an active member of the community of Jennings where he was elected as Mayor for several terms. Additionally, he served on the Jennings School Board for many years and served many people as part of the Good Neighbors program. Jim and Doris enjoyed traveling and were members of the Good Samís Chiefs Club for many years. Jim was a longtime member of the Jennings Masonic Lodge where he was a 32nd Degree Mason. Jim was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Jennings where he assisted in any capacity necessary; always ensuring the air conditioners or heaters were on for any function or assisting with the maintenance needs of the church. He enjoyed taking care of and helping other people. He was a hard worker who only set down when he was playing dominos or cards. He never met a person that he couldnít carry on a conversation with, he loved to talk. He was described by his family and friends as a generous, honest and dependable Christian that loved people and his family. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friends. He will be remembered fondly by his many friends and family. Jim passed away on Friday, July 16, 2010 at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Claremore at the age of eighty-six. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan Dunlap Lunsford. Jim is survived by his wife Doris of the home; son, Jimmie and his wife, Kathy of Tulsa; granddaughter, Megan and her husband, Jed Ballew and their children, James Jackson and Lucy Jane Ballew, all of Tulsa; brothers Robert and his wife Wray of Jennings, Oklahoma, and Jack and his wife Doris of Vian, Oklahoma. A large extended family including many nieces, nephews and in-laws were an important part of Jimís life also. The family asks memorials be made in Jimís name to the Alzheimerís Association. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Jennings with Rev. Mark Compton and Rev. Mark Howard officiating. Burial will be at the Jennings Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.