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James A. Terry, age 78, beloved husband, father, papa and friend, died on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from complications due to a stroke. He was born to Manly and Lula Terry on January 10, 1934 in Greer, South Carolina.
Known to friends as Jim, he served in the United States Air Force for 29 years attaining the highest non-commissioned officer rank of Chief Master Sergeant.
While stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri, he met the love of his life, Ramona Boyd, and married his sweetheart on June 9, 1956.
Jim served his country in many capacities and in many locations, both stateside and overseas. With the birth of their child, Dianna, it was important for Jim that his daughter attends school in the same location. In 1961, the Terry family moved to Midwest City with Jim taking an assignment with the Oklahoma City Air Defense Sector (OCADS), 32nd NORAD radar and later at Tinker Air Force Base where he served in the capacity of First Sergeant, and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC). Jim received many awards and recognitions while stationed at Tinker including being named Airman of the Month, Quarter, and Year on many occasions. He was also named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year at Tinker and represented Tinker for NCO of the Air Force. In addition to numerous important assignments, Jim helped established the 1st Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) unit and flew with the AWACS until his retirement in 1980.
Jim not only served his country, but, he served his community in many capacities. In 1968, Jim joined the Masonic lodge in Midwest City and went on to become a 32nd degree Mason at McAlester, Oklahoma and a member of the Oklahoma City Shiners. Jim also was a member of the Midwest City Eastern Star and was Worthy Patron 1976. After his retirement from the Service in 1980, Jim worked in the Oil & Gas industry for two years before finishing his college degree in 1983 with a B.S. in Business from the University of Central Oklahoma. Shortly thereafter, Jim went to work for the Internal Revenue Service in Oklahoma as a Collection/Offer Specialist, retiring in 1998. Jim"s biggest career and #1 love was his family, for which he was on call 24 hours a day. His first grandson Nick was born in Oct, 1990 and Jim spent as much time as he could and never missed any of Nick"s activities. In 1998, his 2nd grandson Joe was born and he was there every step of the way; Jim now had two grandsons to be their #1 Papa. There were doctor trips, school activities, helping with homework, coaching athletic teams, driving the school bus, and anything else that his grandsons needed. Jim also had time for his daughter who he helped in her business; helping with administrative duties and whatever his daughter asked him to do. Jim"s son-in-law got him involved in driving the bus for Casady School where he enjoyed driving the children and enjoyed the trips as much as the students!
Jim loved his wife very dearly, and was always there for her in whatever she did and for whatever undertaking she took. Jim loved every minute of being a part of so many people"s lives. His love and devotion for his family and friends was always unwavering and unmatched; no one could ask for a better husband, father, papa and friend. Although his unexpected death has left a void in many hearts, it was Jim"s love that will last a lifetime for his loved ones and those who have known him. The outpouring of love and symphony was representative of this kind, loving man.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters.
Jim is survived by his wife Ramona, of the home, his daughter Dianna and her husband Jim Bonfiglio, and his two little buddies, Nicholas Anthony, and Joseph Michael Bonfiglio.
Visitation will be held on Friday February 17, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Barnes & Friederich Funeral Home. His Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday February 18 at 2:00 pm at Barnes & Friederich Funeral Home, 1820 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City, OK 73130. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of to Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, 6 N.E. 63rd Suite 150, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
https://www.bffuneralhome.com/
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