Dennis James
May 19,1954 - Oct 20, 2014

Posted by Ann Weber
(permission granted by Palmer Marler Funeral Home)

Dennis D. James was born in Perry, OK on May 19, 1954 to Lenard and Betty (Ewy) James. He grew up and attended schools in Morrison, graduating from Morrison High School Class of 1972. Following his graduation, Dennis enrolled at Oklahoma State University. During his schooling he began a lifelong passion for farming and ranching by working for Harvey Harting at the feed store, Ed Brooks at the dairy, and working on Bill Price’s ranch. He graduated from OSU in the late 70’s with two Bachelor’s Degrees in business related majors.

Shortly after leaving OSU, Dennis and 8 of his friends purchased the #9 Ranch near Dustin, OK. In the early 1980’s Dennis purchased a ranch near Morrison, land his family still runs cattle on today. In 1980 he began dating Teri Garvie and in 1984 the two were married. This marriage provided Dennis two sons: Cale and Dylan James. He considered his sons to be his finest accomplishment. In the 1990’s, to supplement his ranching income, Dennis worked as a mail carrier for Morrison and Stillwater. He also spent many years working as the bookkeeper for his mother at Betty L. Price Rentals in Perry.

Dennis James was an easy going man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was an avid OSU Cowboys fan, although it is believed that he enjoyed the tailgating more than the actual games. He spent many weekends at the Lake of the Arbuckles with his friends and family. He was a generous man who enjoyed serving his community by serving on the Noble County Fair Board, volunteering as a 4H and FFA leader in Morrison and being a member of the Morrison School board where he had served a term as President.

The two major passions in Dennis’s life were his kids and his cattle. Dennis’ love for cattle came at a young age. He spent more than four decades running cattle in several different counties in Oklahoma. He was big into Club show cattle and raised several champions himself. It would not be out of place to see his truck pulled off the side of a rural highway with Dennis over by the fence admiring a complete stranger’s herd of cows. Although he spent many hours working on his ranch, there was never any question as to what Dennis’ true priority was his family. From the time he was a small boy Dennis had a special relationship with his mother and throughout his life he never moved far from her side. Dennis’ true love was his boys and he was never happier than when he was spending time with his kids.
Dennis made them the center of his life and he never missed a chance to support his boys in their different activities and endeavors.
Dennis James was a loving son, a proud father, a protective brother, a hard worker, and an honest and trustworthy friend. His smile could light-up a room and brighten even the darkest of days. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father Lenard James, two uncles Fredrick and Collins James, and his grandparents: Harold and Luella Chenoweth Ewy and Clarence and Kathryn James.

He is survived by his mother Betty Price of Perry, two sons: Dylan James and wife Megan of Stillwater and Cale James and wife Nicole of Morrison. Dennis is also survived by two siblings: Galen James and wife Nancy of McKinney, TX and Donna Jones of Morrison. Uncle Melvin Ewy and wife Naomi of Perry, Aunt Vicky Beier and husband Ralph of Perry, Uncle Dan Ewy of Morrison, Step father Bill Price of Perry. Four step siblings: Larry Price of Owasso, Gary Price of Perry, Jim Price and wife Diana Price of Glencoe, Jane Carter and husband Ron of Stillwater.

The family asks that donations be made in Dennis’ name to the Morrison FFA in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 203 Fir Street, Perry, OK 73077.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.perrycares.com