Memorials › James Michael Potts
James Michael Potts
24 Jul 1950 – 14 Oct 2016
| Birth | 24 Jul 1950 |
| Death | 14 Oct 2016 |
| Cemetery | Hinton Cemetery Hinton , Caddo County , Oklahoma , USA |
| Added by | JEF on 18 Oct 2016 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171503267 |
Bio
James Michael Potts of Hinton, OK, was born on July 24, 1950, at Haynie Clinic, in Durant, OK, to parents James O. (Tuffy) and Evelyn Gower Potts. He entered heaven on October 14, 2016, in Norman, OK, at the age of 66 years. James began school in Ft. Worth, TX. Then he attended several schools in Oklahoma due to his father being a salesman and making job transfers. He completed his last three years in Weatherford, OK, with graduation in 1968. Following high school he helped his father with his sales route and attended Southwestern State College (now SWOSU). His college education was interrupted when he was drafted in 1970. His draft lottery number was 23 and James always joked that it was the only lottery he ever won. James entered the US Army on August 8, 1970, and completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. After basic training, James went to AIT (Advanced Individual Training) and ACL (Artillery Combat Leadership) training as well as Field Artillery School at Ft. Sill, OK. After earning his sergeant stripes, he left for 10 ½ months of service in Vietnam in July 1971. While in Vietnam, he served as a gunner and section chief on an 8” howitzer, 175 mm cannon and 105 mm howitzer on Fire Base Charlie 1 on the DMZ, FB Elliott near the Rockpile, FB JJ Carroll four miles south of the DMZ, and finally, FB Ennis. He returned to the US and was discharged from the army on June 3, 1972. After returning home to the states, he married Marilyn K. Weathers on July 15, 1972. James returned to SWOSU and with the help of the GI Bill, he completed his BS in Education in July, 1974. In 1975, son John Michael was born and in 1977, son Thad Ryan was born. James loved his boys and was so proud of them. In 1979, James earned his MS Ed in public school administration. He taught science in Lookeba-Sickles and Hydro, then returned to Weatherford as the high school principal from 1980 to 1986 before serving as school superintendent in the Gotebo and Wynnewood schools. A career change in 1990 resulted in the family moving back to Weatherford and James eventually opened his own business, JP Investment Services. He earned his credentials for Certified Financial Planner as well as licenses required to sell and service investments. James loved working with his clients and retired from his business in 2010. In 2005, he and Marilyn moved to the Bethel area west of Hinton. Then in July 2016, James moved to Norman Veterans Center. James loved to hunt, fish, golf, play poker with the guys, and spend time with his family. He especially enjoyed the annual deer camp with his extended family each November. He loved his Lord and Savior and was baptized in 1972. He was a member of First Christian Church of Hinton, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, VFW and Albany Masonic Lodge #159. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Anthony, and brother-in-law Ronnie Lawson. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Marilyn, sons John Michael and wife Morgen of Oklahoma City, OK, and Thad Ryan of Longdale, OK; sisters Beverly Lawson of Albany, OK, Brenda Neyman of Durant, OK, and Susie Wilson and husband, Myron of Bokchito, OK; niece Rose Mathews of Bokchito, OK; nephews Stewart Hoffman and wife Sarah and children Kane and Kira of Durant, OK, and Clinton Hoffman and wife Courtney and son Cooper of Durant, OK. Other survivors are mother-in-law Gladys Weathers of Hinton, OK; father-in-law K.L. Weathers, Jr and wife Margaret of Weatherford, OK; sister-in-law Angelia VonAllman and husband Terry of Lookeba, OK; and brother-in-law Randy Weathers and wife Julie of Watonga ,OK. He also leaves his Aunt Mary Hurst of Emory, Tx, Uncle Larry Potts of Durant, OK, Aunt Lillian Thomas of Bokchito, OK, many cousins, Marilyn’s nieces and nephews, and many friends. Services: First Christian Church, Thursday, 2:00PM, October 20, 2016, Hinton, OK Officiating: Mr. Doyle Kinney Mr. Gary Witcher Burial: Hinton Cemetery, Hinton, OK
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