James O. Stone

James O. Stone died peacefully Saturday, January 8, 2011 in Tulsa, OK. He was 89. Jim was a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, and a member in good standing of the Greatest Generation, having lived through the Great Depression, served in the US Army in Europe during WW II, finished college on the GI bill, and made providing for his family with a comfortable, stable life the main priority of his life. Jim graduated from East Central University in Ada, working first for the Okla. Dept. of Transportation, then 30 years for the Corps of Engineers, earning achievements and accolades along the way. He retired as Chief of the Estimates Section. Jim’s love of family began as a youngster in Ada when weekends were spent visiting family, often fishing, playing bridge or gardening. He loved music, especially big band and jazz, and played tenor sax in the Army band. His peanut brittle and fudge were in high demand with family and friends, along with his special chili recipe. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and a lifelong Democrat. He began courting the love of his life, Alpha, by anonymously leaving huge bouquets of dahlias from his father’s gardens on her desk. A devoted husband to Alpha, they always considered themselves a team, raising their five children, and completing countless projects together with her creativity and his woodworking and upholstering abilities. He lovingly cared for Alpha even as his own eyesight failed until she finally succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease in 2005 after 56 years of marriage. After her death Jim was one of the first residents to move in to Prairie Rose Retirement Community, where he became known as ‘the Candy Man’, for his habit of passing out candy not only for holidays but anytime ‘to bring a smile to someone’s face’, as he once explained. Along with his wife he was preceded in death by parents Charley Otto & Laura Anderson Stone; and brother, Charley Joe Stone. Survived by his sister, Joy Skinner, Ada; Brother- and Sister-in-law Harold and Faye Cobb, Pensacola, FL; his children, Catherine Wallace (Bill), San Antonio; Emily Spears (Roy), Checotah; Melinda Wilson (Paul), Tulsa; J. Kevin Stone (Marice),Tonkawa; and Daniel O. Stone, Tulsa; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is much loved and will be greatly missed. A Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, Madalene Church, with Interment at 3 pm in Ada, OK. Friends and family may contribute to Catholic Charities or to Oklahomans for Special Library Services.

James O. Stone

October 12, 1921 - January 8, 2011