It is with great sadness that the family of Jimmy Joe Hart announces his passing on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the age of 89.

Jimmy was born on September 24, 1936, in Enid, Oklahoma, to John and Helen Hart. Jimmy graduated from Enid High School in 1955 and attended Oklahoma State University from 1955 to 1956. On September 28, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Marie Hancock, at First Baptist Church in Enid. On September 28, 2025, the loving couple celebrated their 69th anniversary.

Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was loving, kind, and always willing to help both family and friends. He had a gift for working with his hands, and no project was ever too great a challenge. Whether remodeling a bathroom, installing wood floors, or building furniture, Jimmy approached each task with skill and craftmanship. Jimmy enjoyed camping and hunting in his earlier years, later transitioning to golfing and traveling. However, his greatest joy was always found in spending time with his family. Whether in the stands at his sons' basketball games or in the audience at his granddaughters' recitals and school events, he was always there supportive and proud. He was known for his incredible work ethic and his devotion to his family.

Jimmy enjoyed a successful 30-year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil Conservation Service (SCS). In 1962, he accepted a position as a Civil Engineering Technician with the Kansas State Office in Salina, Kansas. From 1974 to 1977, he continued his career in the Michigan State Office in East Lansing, serving first as a Contract Specialist and later as a Personnel Management Specialist. In 1978, Jimmy returned closer to family and continued his career with the Oklahoma State Office in Stillwater, where he served as Personnel Management Specialist, Personnel Officer and later as State Administrative Officer until his retirement from federal civil service in 1994.

After retiring, Jimmy and Joyce moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1995 to be closer to family. Never one to be still, Jimmy became an active member of the Tulsa Elks Lodge, serving in leadership roles and on various committees. He could often be found setting out flags on Memorial Day, patrolling the lounge while engaging in conversation and addressing any issues that arose, and offering a helping hand to anyone in need. He was also active in the Elks Drug Awareness Program. Working alongside his wife and fellow Lodge members, he helped convert a trailer into a mobile drug awareness center that was taken to local schools. On special occasions, Jimmy went above and beyond by dressing up in the Elks mascot costume. In 2019, the Elks Lodge honored Jimmy and his wife, Joyce, by renaming the Lodge's lounge the Hart Lounge, in recognition of their many years of dedicated service to the Lodge and the community.

Jimmy reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ, as his Lord and Savior, on November 17, 2025.

Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, John and Helen Hart. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Hart; his sons, Ron and his wife, Christy, and Doug and his wife, Susan; his grandchildren, Olivia Hughes and her husband, Nathan, Ann-Marie, and Megan; his brother, John Hart and his wife Barbra; and his sister-in-law, Loretta Hughes and her husband, Richard.

Jimmy's legacy endures in the love he gave, the joy he brought, and the cherished memories he leaves behind with his family and friends. His presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A joint Celebration of Life honoring both Jimmy and Joyce will be held at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel upon the homegoing of both spouses. Additional details will be provided at a later date.