James Verlin McClure's Obituary
A funeral ceremony honoring James Verlin McClure of Broken Arrow will be held at 1:00 PM Friday at Rivercrest Chapel. Interment will follow at Park Grove Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at the chapel.
James was born June 30, 1945, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. He was the son of Rufus James and Myrtle (Ross) McClure, and the youngest of five children. He grew up in Sallisaw and graduated with the Class of 1963.
Following graduation, James came to Tulsa to work as a welder for W.C. Norris, eventually joining Eaton Truck Components. His career in the automotive industry flourished as he served as assistant service manager at Fred Jones in Tulsa and later as service manager at North Point Ford dealership in Pryor. During this time, he also attended Tulsa Community College.
James met his beloved wife, Kathy, in high school through her cousin. Their romance blossomed when he spotted her walking home from work at the State Farm office one day and picked her up on the sidewalk. The couple married on July 16, 1966, and raised their daughter in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, building a life filled with love and devotion.
As a husband and father, James was extraordinary-a man with a calming spirit and an unshakeable presence. He was a man of few words, but his presence spoke volumes. He was the type of person who could fix anything, a trait that earned him the admiration of his grandson, who described him as "the smartest man in the world." He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all his heart, cherishing every moment with them.
James had a lifelong passion for working on cars, especially his beloved Mustangs. His 2007 Mustang and Harley Davidson truck were sources of great pride and joy.
James passed away peacefully early Monday morning, February 16, 2026.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy; daughter, Kari; grandchildren Austin Wright and wife Alaina, and Alea Pawley and husband Tucker; great-grandchildren Braylie Wright, Kylen Wright, Teagen Pawley, and Remington Wright.
He was preceded in death by his siblings: brother Guy McClure, and sisters Mildred Callahan, Judy McClure, and Margaret McKinney.
James will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and a man whose kindness, skill, and gentle spirit touched all who knew him.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?