James Morris Krise

Mass of Christian Burial honoring the life of James Morris Krise will be held 2 PM Friday, March 10, 2023 at St. Clement's Catholic Church, 15501 S. Memorial Drive in Bixby. The family will receive visitors from 4-6 PM Thursday in the Rivercrest Chapel, 13329 S. Memorial Drive, followed by a rosary beginning at 6:30 PM. Jim passed away Monday evening, March 6, 2023 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He was 82 years old.

Born January 30, 1941 in Endicott, New York, Jim was the son of James Merlin and Freda Elizabeth (Hoag) Krise. Jim grew up in New York, where he graduated from Binghamton North High School with the Class of 1959. At the age of 14, Jim's father passed away, and he immediately assumed the "father figure" role within the family. While in high school, Jim received an extensive amount of automotive and mechanical training, while also gaining employment by a local garage in town.

Following his time at Binghamton North, Jim enlisted and served honorably as a sonarman in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island and actively participated in the Cuban Missel Crisis. Many fascinating stories were told by Jim "bumping boats with the Russians!" Jim furthered his education by attending Suffolk Community College on Long Island.

Jim met Kathleen Wiktorek at the Carvel Ice Cream store in Johnson City, New York. Kathleen was serving the ice cream and needless to say, Jim always received two scoops of butterscotch on his Sundae! According to Jim, he saw a cute little brunette. Kathie's main attraction was her beautiful dark brown eyes, which reminded him of "pools of root beer." The couple lived happily ever after and were married December 9, 1961 at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Binghamton.

Jim and his family moved to Tulsa in 1976 upon gaining employment by the Atkins and Merrill Company. He also was employed by Singer Link and Northrop Grumman in the flight simulation industry, as well as Citgo Petroleum. Jim was especially proud of position as a project manager on the C-5 Galaxy.

Always there for everyone, Jim was jokingly called the "mayor of his street." He also enjoyed collecting guns and restoring Studebaker automobiles. Jim was a part of both the Studebaker and local gun clubs.

Surviving family include his loving wife, Kathleen Krise; his children, James Krise and his wife, Cammie, and Nicholas Krise; his grandchildren, Schyler Wiecek and Xavier Krise; and great grandchildren, Jenna, Autumn, and Remington Wiecek; sister, Donna Murcko; and his brother, Philip Krise and his wife, Yvonne; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and his two older sisters, Ruth Harden and Barbara Urbaetis; and his brother, Gerald.
 

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