James Black

James Wayne Black, former resident of Ponca City, passed Thursday, July 30, 2009 in Norman, Oklahoma. He was 86. James was born September 19, 1922 in Garber, Oklahoma, the son of Jesse James Black and Zona D. Burton Black. He was a 1940 graduate of Kingfisher High School. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Reola Fern McFadden on July 14, 1940 in Chickasha. James served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Hobson minesweeper-destroyer and was honorably discharged from the Navy on April 8, 1946. James was then employed in earlier years in Ponca City with Dooley Automotive and was employed for 17 years as a postal clerk at the Ponca City Post Office, retiring in1982. The couple had lived 55 years in Ponca City and had lived the past 9 years in the Norman area. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the couple were members of the Good Sams RV Club for several years. His enjoyments included collectibles, spending time on his computer, tinkering with mechanical things, working with wood and traveling with his wife throughout most of the United States. James is survived by his wife, Fern, of the home; two sons, Jerry Black and wife, Jo, of Oklahoma City, and Neil Black and wife, Cathy, of Norman; one sister, Mary, of Enid, Oklahoma; 5 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2009 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Mike Booth of Emmaus Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.