James Clark "J.C." Herring

James Clark “J.C.” Herring was born on February 5, 1931, in Hico, Texas to Lincoln David Herring and Cora Lee (Everett) Herring. He passed peacefully from this life on Monday, August 10, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 95 years. J.C. was raised and educated in Burkett, Texas. He then enlisted and served his country honorably in the United States Navy. During his military service, J.C. was married on November 30, 1953, in San Diego, California to Dortha Gaye (Pitts) Herring. They were married 55 years until Dortha passed in 2009. While in San Diego, their son Mike was born. Then, after moving back to Sweetwater, Texas, their daughter Shirley was born. J.C. spent over 39 years working with the Union Pacific Railroad where he retired as Trainmaster in Muskogee at the age of 55. After retirement, he joined the Gideons International where he quickly became involved in Bible distributions, holding camp offices, speaking in churches and supporting the ministry in whatever capacity needed. He loved the Gideon ministry. Shortly after joining the Gideons, a fellow Gideon introduced him to “International Commission”, an evangelistic mission group based out of Dallas, Texas and talked J.C. into taking a trip to Argentina. That was his introduction to mission work and he continued to visit over 10 countries where his love of evangelism and his love for people grew. J.C. had a burden for others to know Jesus. He was a longtime faithful member of Eastwood Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he joined in 1978 after coming to know Jesus at the age of 47. After retiring, he dived into helping at the church wherever needed. They knew they could call on him. In his spare time, J.C. enjoyed gardening and some fishing, but most of all he was a faithful, hardworking, dedicated husband and father. When he became a grandfather and great-grandfather, he loved the kids and was so proud of them. After Mom passed in 2009, Dad moved to an independent senior community called Woodland Terrace. He continued to garden there and led a Bible study. He was there over 10 years. Dad’s last two-and-a-half years were spent at Saint Simeon Senior Community in Tulsa where he was cared for with much love and skill. They loved him and that made all the difference. Millennium Hospice also gave excellent care during his last days. He is survived by: His Daughter; Shirley Francis and husband Phil Grandchildren; Melissa White and husband James Matthew Francis and wife Lindsey Great Grandchildren; Truman White Amelie Francis Lilah White Grace White Beck Francis Sisters; Rowena Anderson and husband Stanley Sharon Lee Childers and husband R.D. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lincoln and Cora Lee Herring, five siblings, his wife, Dortha Herring and his son, Michael Herring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1022, Owasso, OK 74055.

James Clark "J.C." Herring

February 5, 1931 - August 10, 2026