James Robert Carmichael

James Robert Carmichael, lifelong Cleveland area resident, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the Hillcrest Hospital in Claremore at the age of seventy-one. James was born on July 6, 1944 in Osage, Oklahoma. He moved often as a youngster with his family as his step-father was in the military and relocated frequently. The family later returned to Cleveland where James received his education. James attended Cleveland High School, where he was active in the Cleveland Tiger Marching Band as he played the drums. Jim graduated from Cleveland High School in 1964.

Upon graduation, Jim accepted employment with C. E. NATCO as a welder in the steel fabrication department. After a short time with C. E. NATCO, Jim enlisted into the service of his country in the United States Army on June 19, 1969. Upon completion of basic training, Sergeant Carmichael spent most of his enlistment assigned to the 10th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in Germany. He was honorably discharged on June 10, 1971 military service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and sharpshooter badges for both the M-14 and M-16.

Upon completion of his military service, Jim returned to Cleveland and went back to work at C. E. NATCO where he continued to work until the closing of the plant in 1984. Jim was married to Carol Monforte on January 8, 1972. The couple established their home in Cleveland and raised their two children, Richard and Charlene here. After his retirement with C. E. NATCO, Jim accepted employment with Cleveland Petroleum as a propane delivery driver. He worked for Cleveland Petroleum for twenty years before being medically retired in 2004 due to heart problems.

James was described by his family as a hardworking, loving husband, father and grandfather who delighted in spoiling his grandchildren, often saying, ”buy them anything they want.” He was often a tad bit ornery in a fun loving way and was extremely patriotic. He loved his country and was proud to have served in the United States Army. Although limited to performing some things he would like to have done, he especially enjoyed restoring his 1950 Chevy and was an avid welder. He loved watching WWF wrestling and was a University of Oklahoma Sooner football fan. He could often be found watching an old John Wayne movie and enjoyed listening to the music of Johnny Cash. Some of his memorable moments were spending time with his family on road trips and liked traveling to Inspiration Point in Missouri.

Jim was a former member of Cleveland Classic Cars and enjoyed taking his 1950 Chevy to events; visiting with all the other participants. His favorite pastime however was spending time with his family; which he truly loved and cherished.

Jim is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Carol of the home; two sons, Richard Bryan Haley of Cleveland, Oklahoma and Robert Lee and his wife Stephanie Bradley of Cleveland, Oklahoma; a daughter and her husband, Charlene and Darrell Grace of Claremore, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn Grace of Claremore, Oklahoma and Jordan Grace of Claremore, Oklahoma; brother, Marvin Carmichael of Montana and a sister. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edna Pauline Hollis; father, Horace Carmichael; a brother, Donald Paul Bickham and a sister, Shirley Ann Meade.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, March 21, 2016 at the Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Willis Morgan officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the Veterans of Foreign War, District 5 Honor Guard at the Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at www.chapman-black.com