Birth date: Aug 28, 1943 Death date: May 24, 2026
James Lee (Jim) Parham, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed from this life on May 24, 2026. He was born August 28, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at Hillcrest Hospital. Jim was a man who loved God, loved his family, and loved his country. He en Read Obituary
Miss you every day Dad!
Where do I even begin. As Kristie's best friend from....2 or 3 years old, I have countless memories of and with your dad. So many vacations together as our Dad's & Mom's were close. Here's a few that make laugh - I came to visit in Dallas and somehow Kristie's bed frame broke so ofc she told your dad it needed fixed. He was so mad at us 🤣🤣 he thought we'd been jumping on the bed and we were like...way past the age for that haha to this day I still have no idea how that happened other than we sat on it all day calling a boy we met in Mexico 😆🤭 and when he got the phone bill 😬🤯😳. You can imagine his reaction I'm sure. Oh and this one may top them all-the time we were all in Cozumel & he signed consent for the kid who's parents didn't want him to rent a moped with us....that kid pulled out in front of a large truck and floored it across the street & into the woods 😂😂 he came out with sticks and twigs in his hair & your Dad's face was white as a ghost 👻 I think we went back to the hotel after that 😄 He made Kristie's wedding incredible. Us girls had the pool all day & he provided whatever we wanted to drink/eat...always so accommodating as he wanted people to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. The ski trips were my favorite trips we took with you guys. We have some amazing memories because of him. I know it hurts. Sending hugs. Love you guys.
I did not know James, but I’m close with Kristie. She has always spoken highly of her father, and with great love. She is like a sister to me, one of the most fiercely loving people in my life. It sounds, very much, like a lot of that came from James. His legacy lives in the heart she shares with this world.
In 2009 I had joined Platinum Fitness in Tulsa. I was only 6 years out of college and still in decent shape from swimming and lifting on my own. I would go into the gym every day and do my normal cardio and lifting. But one day, I saw a flyer at the front desk promoting a bench press competition that was going to be held at Platinum Fitness. I got excited because, quite frankly, I have short arms and I love to press. I asked the front desk employee about it and she didn’t know any details. She went and got Jim, the owner, to come to the front desk and explain how to enter the competition. Not only did Jim tell me about the competition, but he said “Hey, I have a few minutes, why don’t you get on the bench and show me your technique.” We went to the backroom where the benches were and he watched me bench. He kept adding weight and was actually stunned I could lift so much! Jim was so impressed, he said, “Melissa, I have a group of guys I train bench with every Tuesday and Thursday here at Platinum. I would like to invite you to train with us.” And thus began a friendship, mentorship, coaching relationship and advisership with Jim Parham. I competed in my first bench press competition at Platinum Fitness on October 10th, 2009. I wound up with 2 big plates on the bar, 135lbs…perhaps impressive for most women, but after training with Jim and the guys I wanted more.
Over the next few years, Jim and the guys helped me gain strength, knowledge and develop a great lifting career. Training sessions were fun and we chatted about life, got our stressors out, and we got excited for our next competition!
Jim was an impressive lifter, having set 7 world records in the bench press and compiling 26 first place titles. I was truly learning from the best and he helped me achieve a World Record myself in the WABDL federation lifting over 340lbs.
I am truly saddened to have lost such an amazing coach, mentor and friend. Jim was a great guy who cared about me and taught me a lot. I will truly cherish our lifting memories and the guidance he has shown me over the years.
To April, I am so sorry for your loss and I am praying for you and your family.
