Dr. Jimmy Ray Strange

Jimmy R. Strange was born on August 9, 1934, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to parents Ray and Irene Strange. He graduated from McAlester High School in 1952 as class Valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. From there he went to the University of Oklahoma where he majored in Pre-Med, earning his degree in only 3 years time with Phi Beta Kappa honors, while simultaneously working for the school to help pay for his education and playing cornet in the marching band. After getting his undergraduate degree he was immediately accepted into the University of Oklahoma’s Medical School, graduating in 1959 at the top of his class. While at O.U. he met Marilyn Motley. They married on June 14, 1959, just after their graduation, and then moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he had been granted an Internship at Sacred Heart General Hospital. Leaving Oregon in 1960, Jim and Marilyn moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he worked at St. Mary’s Hospital, also serving as a Captain in the Air Force performing military physicals. On July 1, 1962, Jim and Marilyn, along with their daughter, Susan, moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Jim started his Residency in Pathology at St. John’s Hospital, beginning a chapter in his life that would last for the next 45 years, right up until he retired from St. John’s in 2007. During those years, Jim and Marilyn saw the birth of their son, Sterling, and enjoyed a full life filled with family trips, graduations, marriages, and grandchildren. Through it all Jim remained devoted to his work as a Pathologist at St. John’s, always curious, always committed to every case. He shared his love for his chosen field with family and friends whenever possible, sometimes in ways intended to surprise and shock, and the greater the reaction the more he enjoyed it! Jim’s work as a Pathologist meant the world to him and he loved every minute of those 45 years. Jim also had a passion for travel that included family trips to ski in Colorado and Utah, in addition to journeying to Africa, Europe, and China. On one of his many ski trips he acquired the now infamous sheepskin Viking hat that continued to be part of his life, even during the last years, much to the displeasure of some, but amusement of other family members. He delighted in exploration and encouraged it in others. Jim was also an avid cyclist for many years, right up until an accident on a bike tour of Italy in the early 90’s resulted in a broken hip that ended his days on the bike. Until that time, however, Jim could often be seen after work riding the streets of south Tulsa. For a number of years he made the trip every August to Wichita Falls, Texas, for the Hotter’n Hell Hundred, always completing the 100 mile ride. Jim passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at St. John’s hospital, surrounded by family and his beloved caretakers. Although the last several years of his life were plagued by health difficulties, his spirit remained always intelligent, stubborn, irreverent, tough, and enduring, even at the very end. He leaves behind a loving family including children, Susan Strange and Sterling Strange, grandchildren, Stoffel Strange, Katie Norton, Hannah Strange, and Beck Strange, his brother, Michael Strange and his family, as well as cherished nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed but there are stories remaining that will last a lifetime, bringing smiles and laughter. Jim supported many charitable organizations, especially those involving children and animals, so in lieu of flowers please send donations to any organization deemed appropriate. Services will be held March 1, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at Fitzgerald’s Funeral Home Ivy Chapel, 1402 South Boulder Avenue, with a graveside service immediately following at Calvary Cemetery, to which everyone is welcome and encouraged to come. Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151. www.fitzgeraldivychapel.com

Dr. Jimmy Ray Strange

August 9, 1934 - February 23, 2017