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Donald Lee James, a resident of Shawnee, passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the age of 81. Donald was born on December 29, 1943, in Prague, Okla., to Elmer Lee James and Marie (Wallis) James. Don grew up in Lincoln County and attended Davenport Public Schools. He graduated from Davenport High School where he played football and baseball.
Don worked at Tinker Air Force Base in logistics until his retirement.
Don married the love of his life, Marlene Hopkins, on November 11, 1966, in Kendrick, Okla. Don and his wife Marlene were strong members and supporters of Shawnee Takedown Club through Shawnee schools. Don was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather and he will be missed by the many people who knew and loved him.
Don is preceded in death by his wife, Marlene, who died on November 24, 2024; his mother and father, Marie Wallis James and Elmer Lee James; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Lou Harris and O.D. Harris; a brother, Mark Melson; a sister, Patsy Quinn; a brother, Donnie Quinn; and a brother, Luke James.
Don is survived by two sons, Larry James of Shawnee and Terry James of Malakoff, Texas; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Esther Hopkins of Kendrick and Jesse and Diana James of Stroud; a sister, Carol Melson; eight grandchildren, Brenner James and Erin Brinson of Edmond, Cooper James of Shawnee, Addy James of Shawnee, Ryker James of Malakoff, Texas, Kylee Jo James of Malatoff, Heartlee James of Malakoff, Macie Thlang and husband Alex of North Richmond, Texas, and Raeleigh Pierce and Natalie Bermudez of Austin, Texas; as well as other extended family and many good friends.
A viewing for Don was held on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 5 until 8 p.m. at McElyea & Owens Funeral Group, 5106 N Harrison in Shawnee. A funeral for Don will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Taproot Church, 22 East Dunloup Street in Shawnee with Khris Steele and Mike Melton officiating. Additional speakers will be Mike Henry and Ryker James.
Pallbearers will be Cooper James, Ryker James, Brenner James, Alex Thlang, Jeff Chamblin, and Billy Whited. Honorary bearers are the Spirit Park Baseball "James Gang". Interment will follow immediately at Stroud Cemetery located at East Elm Street and South Allied Road in Stroud, Okla., under the direction of McElyea & Owens Funeral Group of Shawnee.
Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army.
The family has designated that donations may be sent to Shawnee Wrestling, attention Andrew McCune, 1001 N Kennedy, Shawnee, OK 74801.D
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