Kenneth 'Jim' Poole passed away June 29, 2026, following a fight with pancreatic cancer. Jim was born Aug. 19, 1944, in Wewoka, OK to Laura Ellen Reed and Kenneth Jim Poole, Sr.
On Dec. 28, 1967, he enlisted in the Marine Corp at the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City. He was immediately shipped off to Camp Pendleton, California where he was placed in “M” Company 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry training Regiment for Marine Corps Boot Camp. He graduated in Aug. of 1968, then went to Camp Lejeune, NC, for MOS School to become a 1345 Equipment Operator. Shortly after MOS School, he was shipped out to serve in the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam, Jim served with H&S Co, 3rd Shore Party BN, 3rd Marine Division (REIN). While serving in Vietnam, he received a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, and a Presidential Unit Citation from the Marine Corp, as well as a Cross of Gallantry from the South Vietnamese.
After serving 13 months in Vietnam, he then returned to the United States and was assigned to 29 Palms under the A Co (REIN) 7th Engineer BN, where he would conclude his active-duty service as a Corporal in Dec. of 1971. While serving at 29 Palms Marine Corp Base, he met Christine Martin. They were married and together for 55 years. Jim served in the Marine Corp Reserves from 1979 to 1980, while working as a long-haul truck driver. Upon entering the reserves, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on June 26, 1979. He continued his public service as a volunteer firefighter in Bethel Acres serving as assistant chief. After retirement, he spent many hours driving the veteran shuttle.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Christine, daughter Helen Marie, his parents and parent-in-laws.
Left to remember him are his daughter and son-in-law Dawn and Bryan Byrd; grandchildren: Robert Charvat, Jason Charvat, Nicole Byrd, Scott Kennedy, Daniel Charvat, Michael Byrd, Hunter Kennedy and Kayla Kennedy; great-grandchildren: Payton and Synthia Charvat, Matthew “Trey” Kennedy, and Aiden Wright; and his sisters: Terry and Nancy; and brother David.
Services were held on July 3, 2026, under the direction of Walker Funeral Services.
