Ronald Max James

Ronald Max James, 84, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at his home in Cleveland, Oklahoma, with his family by his side. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 11:30 a.m., at Greenwood Cemetery, Sedan, Kansas. Lunch will follow at the First Baptist Church, 220 N. Chautauqua in Sedan. Ron was born on April 22, 1940, in Peru, Kansas. He spent his early years in the Dorrance, Kansas area, and graduated high school in Rose Hill, Kansas. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, March 1959. After boot camp in San Diego, California, he volunteered for and was accepted into Submarine School and Nuclear Power School. He then served on the U.S.S. Rasher and the U.S.S. Caiman. He continued his Navy education in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration and Application of Nuclear Reactors to Submarines. He was so very proud to have served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years. While home on leave, he met the love of his life, Sharon. They were married March 7, 1964, in Wichita, Kansas. Together, they shared 4 children. Ron received an honorable discharge from the Navy and chose a life-long career as an electrician, working for various Rural Electric Cooperative Associations in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. He went on to become Electrical Superintendent for the Cities of Hillsboro, Kansas, Pawnee, Oklahoma, and Mannford, Oklahoma, before retiring at the age of 75. Ron enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed hunting with his grandsons, son-in-law, and friends. He was a collector of many “things”, including guns and knives, and shared his vast knowledge with his grandsons. He loved football and hoped to see a Kansas City Chiefs “Super Bowl three-peat”. Go Chiefs! He was a member of the American Legion Post 142 and a proud supporter of many Veteran’s organizations. Ron is survived by his daughters Suzanne Sullard (Kelly) of Wichita, Kansas, and Toni James of Cleveland, Oklahoma (her fiancé Craig Leppke); son Monti Pittman (Heidi) of Boise, Idaho; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; sister Wilma Weinhold; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sharon; son Daniel DeForest; parents Max and Treva James; and brother Charles (Chuck) James. He will always be affectionately known as “Papa” to all who knew and loved him. Memorial contributions may be made to: Good Shepherd Hospice 4343 S. 118 th E. Ave., Suite 160 Tulsa, OK 74146 https://www.goodshepherdhospice.com/donations American Legion Post 142 1119 S. Wood Ave. Hominy, OK 74035

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Ronald Max James

April 22, 1940 - January 8, 2025