Deborah Lynn James

It is with broken hearts but loving memories that we announce the passing of Deborah Lynn “Debbie” James, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, Grammy, and friend, on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the age of 75 years and five months. Debbie was born at home in Talala, Oklahoma, on December 3, 1949, to Lillie Rose Fugate. She grew up in Talala, but completed her secondary education in Drexel, Missouri, and was a graduate of Drexel High School. Debbie married the love of her life, Michael James, on May 19, 1968, in Drexel. Together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. From this union came the apples of her eye, her sons, Michael Shane and Justin Ross. Debbie spent much of her working life as a clerical administrative assistant, primarily with banks and race tracks. She was a strong woman of faith and was a member of Verdigris Assembly of God. She was an active volunteer with her church and with her ladies prayer group. She worked and planted much of the beautiful landscaping around the church building until she was no longer able to due to her health. She was also known for preparing Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners for those less fortunate. Debbie was an extremely talented quilter, winning many awards. She also shared this talent by teaching others how to quilt. Those she leaves behind who hold a lifetime of cherished memories include her loving husband Michael James, of the home; her mother, Lillie Rose, of Drexel; her sons and daughters-in-love, Michael Shane and Shana, of Watauga, Texas, and Justin Ross and Krista, of Maple Valley, Washington; and her greatest joys, her grandchildren, Ayden Michael and Kaelyn Shea, both of Watauga, Cody Pearman and Wendy Vollmer, and her bonus son Danny Milette. Debbie leaves behind her siblings, Kelli Miller, Donna Miner, Nick Minks, Robert Minks, and Terry Minks; her aunts, Deloris Hayes and Helen Davis; her sisters-in-law, Susie Clearwater, Edith Goodenough, Pat Henson, and Kathy Cook, as well as her beloved pet companion, Charlie, who was also her bodyguard; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. Debbie will be remembered for her deep love for her family, her unwavering faith, her warm heart, and the countless memories she created with those she loved. Her legacy will live on in all who had the blessing of knowing her. A Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Verdigris Assembly of God, 25815 South 4110 Road, Claremore, Oklahoma, 74019. A dinner will be provided after the memorial at the church. If you have a funny or favorite memory of Debbie that you would like to share, please do so. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Debbie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6660 South Sheridan Road, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74133, or at www.alz.org. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com

Deborah Lynn James

December 3, 1949 - May 30, 2025