Donald Lee James passed away on Aug. 13, 2025. Donald was born on Dec. 29, 1943 in Sparks, OK to Elmer Lee James and Marie (Wallis) James. He graduated from Davenport High School, where he played football and baseball. Don worked at Tinker Air Force Base in Logistics until his retirement. Don married Marlene Hopkins, on Nov. 11, 1924 in Kendrick, OK. Don and his wife Marlene were strong members and supporters of the Shawnee Takedown Club through Shawnee Schools.
Don is preceded in death by his wife, Marlene, who died on November 24, 2024; his mother and father; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Lou Harris and O.D. Harris; a brother, Mark Melson; a sister, Patsy Quinn; brothers, Donnie Quinn and Luke James.
Don is survived by two sons, Larry James of Shawnee and Terry James of Malakoff, TX; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Esther Hopkins of Kendrick and Jesse and Diana James of Stroud; a sister, Carol Melson; eight grandchildren, Brenner James and Erin Brinson of Edmond, Cooper James of Shawnee, Addy James of Shawnee, Ryker James of Malakoff, TX, Kylee Jo James of Malatoff, TX, Heartlee James of Malakoff, TX, Macie Thlang and husband Alex of North Richmond, TX, and Raeleigh Pierce and Natalie Bermudez of Austin, TX; as well as other extended family and many good friends.
Services were held on Aug. 19, 2025 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Khris Steele and Mike Melton officiating. Additional speakers will be Mike Henry and Ryker James. Interment followed at Stroud Cemetery in Stroud, OK under the direction of McElyea & Owens Funeral Group of Shawnee. Military honors were provided by the U.S. Army.
The family has designated that donations may be sent to Shawnee Wrestling, attention Andrew McCune, 1001 N Kennedy, Shawnee, OK 74801.
