Grady James

Grady L. James, 70 of Ponca City, passed away on June 15, 2021 after battling pancreatic cancer.  He was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on December 29, 1950, to Joe James and Elsie (Suttle) Wilson.

Grady grew up in Shidler, Oklahoma and earned his high school diploma from Shidler High School in 1969.  Following his high school graduation, Grady joined the Army and completed basic training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Grady was deployed to Vietnam in June of 1970 where he served until the latter part of December 1971.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he began his life-long profession of driving a semi-truck. For a period of time, he also worked as a truck dispatcher.

Grady was the proud father of three sons, one daughter, five granddaughters, and one grandson.  Witnessing his children succeed and watching his grandchildren grow were the joys of his life.

Grady had a love of all things automotive. It did not matter if they were old, new, cars or pick-ups, he loved them all.  He could wander around car shows or car lots for hours just to look at them.  The Chevy Chevelle was his favorite. He especially loved watching NASCAR.  Shortly before Grady’s passing, he was able to drive his son, Kevin’s, 1953 Chevy Bel Air on the Texas Motor Speedway.  Grady loved that day with Kevin’s family.

Grady is survived by his mother, Elsie Wilson; his four children, Derek James (Ashley), Kevin James (Desiree), Sara Eeds (Tyler), and Brian James (Brianna); step-siblings, Lynn Wilson and Connie Graham; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and six wonderful grandchildren: Rachel, Lydia, Wyatt, Keira, Maya and Emma.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Joe James, and his step-father, Rodney Wilson.

A viewing will be held on Friday, June 25th from 9:00am – 6:00pm at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City.  Grady’s family will be available to receive guests at the viewing from 4:00pm – 6:00pm.  A graveside service will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City on Saturday, June 26th at 10:00am.