Jim Sanders' Obituary
Jim Sanders Obituary
Services to honor and celebrate the life of Jim Sanders will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 10, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Sayre. Jim will be laid to rest in Sayre Doxey Cemetery. Family will receive friends for visitation from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Rose Chapel Funeral Service, Sayre. Jim passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. He was 59. Born December 4, 1959 in Shamrock, Texas, Jimmy Dale Sanders was the son of Patrick Donald and Vera Mae (Chapman) Sanders. He was also welcomed by his big sis, Anita. In the early sixties, Sayre, Oklahoma became home for the Sanders family and Jimmy would find himself belonging to the local boy scout troop, as well as, participating in school athletics. In high school, Jimmy or "Jim" would play half back and split end for the Eagles and when basketball season rolled around, he played the position of point guard. Upon graduating from Sayre High School, with the class of 1978, Jim would further his education by attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah where he received a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. In addition, Jim also attained his licensure as a stock broker and worked a short time for Merrill Lynch. In 1985, Jim began a more than 20-year career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Throughout that time, he had a teaching assignment and worked as a probation and parole officer living in Ardmore and El Reno before an injury forced his early retirement. At that time, he relocated to Sayre where he was able to care for his mother as she was fighting her own battle with cancer. The time he spent in Sayre also allowed Jim to grow closer to his nieces and nephews as he took advantage of watching them play ball along with various other school activities they participated in. Later on, Jim made his home in Houston, Texas where he lived out his passion of restoring cars. In his own words, "It was satisfying to take something in bad shape and to restore it." "To boot, the money was good too!" said Jim. Hobbies, to Jim, were "things to do because you wanted to, but you didn't get paid". The hobby that stood out the most to Jim was following his OU Sooners - as he was even once a season ticket holder. Through the years, he also acquired a collection of vintage bobbleheads and baseball cards and took advantage of any opportunity he had to go deep sea fishing. Jim was able to take several memorable trips. His last, being a trip to Peru. Earlier, he was able to make trips to the Bahamas, Vegas, New York City and Galveston to name a few. There was no doubt in Jim's mind though, that the best place to be was near the ocean on a warm, sandy beach. Of all of his accomplishments and contributions, Jim was most proud to be a father to his daughter, Racheal Belle. The time they were able to spend together meant so much to Jim and he loved her with all of his heart. Described as caring, sweet, sensitive, quick-witted and humorous, Jim was a man who was always recognized as kind and that was the impression he left on others - even as he was being cared for during his illness. A true friend, Jim had a soft heart for others and he was devoted, dedicated and loyal to those he called his friends. Never forgetting when others might share a good deed or be a blessing to him, in return, Jim gave his love and unwavering friendship. "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have" is a Bob Marley quote that Jim embodied. His daily prayer was, "Seal my soul as your own that your reflection, in me, may be a light for all to see". There is no doubt that those who knew and loved Jim could see his light shine! Jim passed away on his 59th birthday, December 4, 2018 in Midwest City, OK. He was preceded in death by his father, Pat Sanders; paternal grandparents, Quincey and Dolly Sanders; maternal grandparents, Q.L. and Thelma Chapman; a nephew, Billy Dale; an uncle, Bud Sanders and an aunt, Virginia Mochetti.He is survived by: his daughter, Racheal Belle Woodruff of Norman; mother, Vera Sanders of Sayre; sister, Anita Cothron of Elk City; nieces: Romi Paige of Sayre and Rani Rakestraw and husband, Grady of Arnett; nephew, Jeremiah Cothron of Sayre and uncles: Bobby Chapman and wife, Sherry of Houston, TX and Duane Chapman and wife, Debbie of Canyon, TX. He is also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews: Montana, Merrick, Major, Ona, Dax and Ryder along with other relatives and friends including two very special friends: Randall and Susan Trout.Visitation Rose Chapel Funeral Service 906 N. 4th Sayre, Oklahoma 73662 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMService First Baptist Church 504 N. 4th Street Sayre, Oklahoma 73662 2:00 PM
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