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© Chickasha Express~Star Chickasha, Oklahoma July 10, 2019 July 15, 1939 ~ July 5, 2019 James Luther Upright of Oklahoma City passed away on July 5, 2019 after a brief illness. In ten days, he would have celebrated his 80th birthday. James was born on July 15, 1939, in Newman, Illinois, to Gerald and Maybel Upright. He was a 1958 graduate of Atwood High School. He attended auto mechanic's school in Independence, Missouri before returning to Illinois. He worked as a mechanic and farmer and was a stock car racing enthusiast. James married Judith Faye Navel on November 28, 1963, and they enjoyed over 55 years of marriage. James was the father of James Jeffrey Upright, husband of Emily LaJoy [Chaney] Upright, of Ninnekah, Oklahoma, Bradley Luther Upright, husband of Elizabeth Thompson, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, and Rhonda Carmen [Upright] Thompson, wife of Harold Lee Thompson, of Cayuga, Texas. In 1970, the family moved to Ninnekah, Oklahoma, and in 1984, James and Judy moved to Oklahoma City. James was a beloved Pa-pa to his grandchildren, Carmen Lanett [Thompson] Furlong, wife of Michael Furlong, Gunnar Lee Thompson, husband of Chelsea [] Sobnosky] Thompson, Ethan Hunter Upright, Katlyn LaNay Upright, Joseph Abba, Javier Abba, Luis Raphael Saucedo, and Armando Saucedo. James enjoyed sharing his passions for NASCAR, Hot Wheels, and western movies with his family. A man of many talents, James could always be counted on to help with mechanical and home improvement projects of all sorts. Even if James didn't know how to fix something, he'd try anyway. James was saved and baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Chickasha, Oklahoma. James was a faithful member of Southwest Baptist Church, where he served for many years as the fruit punch man for Vacation Bible School. James and Judy also taught junior high boys' Sunday School and children's church for over 40 years and welcomed students of Heartland Baptist Bible College into their home. James drove a church bus and took care of bus maintenance. James was a model of Christian charity, humility, and faithfulness to all who knew him. James was predeceased by his parents and brother, William Ray Upright of Pennsylvania. James is survived by his wife, Judy, his children, Jeff, Brad, and Rhonda, his grandchildren, his sister Kathy [Upright] Russell of Mahomet, Illinois, his brother Everett Upright of Las Vegas, Nevada, and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Funeral services were held at the Ninnekah Cemetery on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastors David Allen and Ted Inman officiating. Music was led by Greg Smith. A viewing was held on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home located at 4985 SE 29th Street, Del City, Oklahoma 73115. The family is grateful to the staff of Baptist Integris Medical Center and are thankful for the love and prayers they have received during this time. |
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