James Edward Embree, age 87, of Norman, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024. He was born March 7, 1937, in Ryan, Oklahoma, to the late Virgil and Elizabeth Embree. James was an All-State wrestler in high school and earned a wrestling scholarship to Oklahoma State University. After graduating from OSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, he then obtained his Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University. James was drafted two times by the U.S. Army and served his country for three years.

James wed Kathleen on March 4, 1965, and they were married for 45 years until her death in 2010. He began his career in banking and served as Vice President of Federal National Bank in Shawnee and then as Vice President of Security National Bank, now Arvest. For over 30 years, James worked for Small Business Administration and retired as Assistant District Director.

James continued his love of wrestling by coaching children for several years. He enjoyed watching horse racing and playing golf. A husband, father and grandfather, he will be deeply missed.

James is survived by his daughter, Kim McRae and her husband Brad; son, James Embree, Jr. and his wife Ciear Mae; grandchildren, Jone McRae McWhirter, Jessica McRae, Curtis McRae, and Brittany Dunn and her husband Logan; and great grandchildren, Ryan McWhirter, Tyler McWhirter, Joshua McWhirter, Liam Dunn and Beckham McRae.

In addition to his wife and his parents, James was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Orr; and brother, Virgil Embree, Jr.