A. Curtis James

A. Curtis James, of Poteau, Oklahoma died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday May 22, 2022. He was born December 12, 1933 in Howe to Zollie and Dennie Cleo James. He was the youngest boy raised in a tight knit family with siblings (Ocie, Cecil, Jewell, Leona, Thomas, Cassie, Archie, and Lebrica). He attended the Number 10 Elementary School, Howe High School, Carl Albert College and then served in the Army. Curtis moved to San Diego, California where he met Dorothy his wife of 61 years. He was a loving father to Kathryn, Karen and Kurt often telling them how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. He brought his family on vacations to Poteau annually. He really loved being a grandfather and adored all his grandchildren. Curt was an excellent athlete competing at the highest levels of golf, basketball, baseball, softball, and slow pitch. He umpired and refereed games for the City of San Diego and was an avid supporter of the Howe Basketball Teams. Curtis worked in the Aerospace Industry retiring from Teledyne Ryan in 1993, as the Vice President of Procurement. He enjoyed gardening, his roses, feeding the deer and watching for Cardinals. Curtis was very proud to serve as President of the Howe Old Settlers where he enjoyed catching up with friends and eating good food every Tuesday. He and Dorothy attended the United First Methodist Church in Poteau appreciating the worship, fellowship and friends they made at church.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy James, his children Kathryn and George Buffington of Florida, Karen and Tom James-Fuller of California, Kurt and Michelle James of California, his grandchildren all of California Madeline James, Mason James, Owen James-Fuller and Cole James-Fuller. His sister Lebrica and Douglas Binns of Poteau, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and loved ones; a host of beloved friends. 

Pallbearers will be Kurt James, Mason James, Owen James-Fuller, Cole James-
Fuller, Ted Kilgore, Llyod Jaeger, George Buffington, Jimmy Donahon.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday May 27, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Poteau by Pastor Jim Perkin. Burial will follow at Monroe Cemetery under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. His body may be viewed at Evans & Miller Funeral Home on Wednesday and Thursday.