Collinsville: Jim Lee Denham, 71, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021 in Tulsa.
Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at the Rush Springs Assembly of God, with Rev. Dale Gentry officiating. Burial will be in the Rush Springs Cemetery under the direction of Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral and Cremation Services in Marlow.
Viewing will be Friday, November 12, 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM, at Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home.
Jim Lee Denham is just a name to some, but in 71 years of life he was
so much more to those that knew him. On June 18, 1950, Jim was
born at home in Cookietown, OK. He was the 4th of 11 children to
parents Kenneth Brent “KB” and Harriet Virginia Denham. That day he
became a son and brother. His family moved to Walters, OK a few
years later and Jim attended Walters public schools. On September
23rd, 1971 he married his “better” half Carolyn Lavana Melton, and
recently achieved 50 short years of marriage. He was a self taught
auto mechanic that could listen to the engine and almost always figure
out what the problem was. He also drove an 18 wheeler for many
years, and was dubbed the “okie kid” as his CB handle. People were
shocked to see such a tiny guy climbing out of a big rig. He then went
back to working on cars and opened his own business, Triple D Auto,
that he would eventually retire from. Jim would not hesitate to tell you
his greatest accomplishments in this world were his children. Jamie
Lyn was born in 1972, beginning his life as “daddy”. The worst day of
his life was when she was called home to Jesus at the age of 12. Dad
was always telling people how proud he was of Jimmy for opening and
running a successful business. They shared a love of drag racing, and
spent many weekends at the track together. He wore sunglasses in
the building when Janett graduated college to be a registered nurse,
trying to hide the tears of joy running down his face. He enjoyed
fishing and camping with his wife, and visiting with family. Most of the
time he could be found in his recliner watching old reruns or Judge
shows. Once the grandchildren started arriving he was over the
moon. Every Time one of them walked in the room he would
immediately hug them, most likely tickle them and say in a singsong
voice “well hello there little girlie”, or “what are you doin little boy”. He
spoiled them all, and would do anything they asked if he could. It’s
hard to sum up a life well lived in a few short paragraphs. His absence
is already devastating to his family, and he will forever be missed!
Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Jamie Lyn Denham,
parents “KB” and Virginia Denham, and mother-in-law Mary Lena
Melton brothers: Alford Denham, Albert Denham, and Wayne
Denham, sister Nancy Gee, in-laws Dannie and Janice Penrod, Harry
Denham, Jr. Newman, Marlene and Eldon Rankins, Jimmy Dutton,
Maryanne Denham, Arnold Monson, and Benny Gee.
Survived by: Wife, Carolyn Denham of the home. Son, Jimmy
Denham and wife Jennifer of Owasso, OK, daughter, Janett and
husband Brian of Noble, OK. 7 grandchildren, Randie and husband
Robbie Lewis, Bryce and wife Alexis Denham, Blake Denham, and
Remington Denham, all of Owasso, OK. Briana Teal of Norman, OK,
Dawson Teal, and Kaylee Teal of Noble, OK, and Connor Newman
(his great nephew that he said was his 8th grandchild) of Marlow, OK.
3 great-grandchildren, Ramsie Lewis, Iris Lewis, and Brecklyn
Denham all of Owasso, OK. Special nephew and niece that raised
Connor across the street, Robert and Cavin Newman.
Siblings: Kenneth Denham, Chloe Jean and Dale Gentry , Ila Mae and
Ron Stafford , Darlene and Rodney Headley , Dorothy Dutton, Ralph
and Loretta Denham. In-laws, Wanda Newman, Howard Melton,
Eugene Melton, Wilford and Pat Melton, Alice Denham, and Teresa
Denham. Many nieces and nephews he loved to pick on and visit with.
Pallbearers are: Bryce Denham, Blake Denham, Dawson Teal, Robbie
Lewis, Connor Newman, and Robert Newman.
Honorary pallbearers: Kenneth Denham, Ralph Denham, his
brother-in-laws, nephews, and Wayne Newman.
Online condolences may be made to www.CallawaySmithCobb.com
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Jim Lee Denham hosted by Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral and Cremation Services.
Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Jim Lee Denham.