James Marvin Pipkin

December 27, 1931 ~ April 30, 2020

© Vondel Smith Mortuary

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

James “Marvin” Pipkin left earth for Heaven on April 30, 2020. He was a Husband, Father, Pa (Grandpa) and most of all a friend to everyone. He loved people, especially kids. He could talk to anyone, and often did, and loved to tell stories of his experiences in life. He was always willing to help his family with any and all projects that they could dream up.

Marvin was a lifelong resident of South Oklahoma City. His favorite place to be as a child was at his grandparent’s farm. This fostered a love of growing all kinds of plants. After graduating from Capitol Hill High School in 1950, he went to work for the Oklahoma City Park Dept. He grew the flowers and plants for all the parks in Oklahoma City. His job was interrupted by the Korean War where he served honorably in the U.S. Army.

Upon his return he met Carol Chiles. They were married in 1955. They had one daughter, Leslie Ann. He loved his family very much and would do anything for them.

Marvin had many talents and hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Playing Cards, Keeping his yard beautiful, Working on cars, Woodworking, Telling Stories, and Making Toys.

Building Toys was his most profitable hobby. He attended many Craft Shows all over the state. He loved meeting the people and telling them about the toys. He really enjoyed seeing how much the children loved them. When his grandsons came along, they became his official toy testers. A job they enjoyed very much!

He was a long-time member of Selectman United Methodist Church and a current member of Oklahoma Community Church.

Marvin is preceded in death by his grandparents J.M. and Alice Brown, Parents B.P. and Opal Pipkin, Brother, Burnie M. Pipkin, Sister, Ona Mae Holt, and Sister Lorene Briscoe.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carol Pipkin, Daughter Leslie A. Grothe and her husband David. Two grandsons Jacob Grothe and Daniel Grothe. Many nieces and nephews. Sincere thanks to the Staff on the E-1 Unit at Norman Veterans Center who took such good care of him. Your love and compassion were so appreciated. Special thanks to his friend Ralph McLaughlin for his many visits in the last few years.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or The Baptist Homes for Children. A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Wilmont Place Baptist Church, 6440 S. Santa Fe Ave