James C. “Muggs” Fox

© The Weleetkan

April 7 2006

Submitted by: Brenda Franklin

Funeral services were held April 5 at the First Baptist Church, Okemah, for James C. “Muggs” Fox. Chaplain Sam Garner and Rev. Wade Harelson officiated at the services.

Mr. Fox was born Nov. 14, 1935 in Okfuskee County to Charlie and Ruby Dee (Burnes) Fox and died April 2 in Oklahoma City at the age of 70.

He was one of five children and his early years were spent on a farm in the Bigham Community. He attended Okemah Public School and after two years In Germany with the U.S. Army, he attended Connors State College in Warner and East Central University in Ada.

Prior to law enforcement, he worked in the oil and gas industry, having owned and operated a trucking business and a service station. In 1966 he graduated from Patrol Academy. He was an original member of the first Swat Team organized by the OHP. He was one out of five troopers selected through out Oklahoma who was certified as an instructor and operator of speed detection devices, involved in modifying the training manual on Vassar speed detection, basic math in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy for four years, a field training trooper for several years and the first director and original; member of Trooper association representing troopers in the McAlester district.

In 1979 the Okfuskee County Law Enforcement Association recognized Mr. Fox for his outstanding service in law enforcement.

Mr. Fox was sworn in as Okfuskee County Sheriff in January 2001. He was the member and trustee of the First Baptist Church in Okemah, member of the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association, American Legion Post 123. Okemah Roundup Club, charter member of Retired State Troopers Association, lifetime member of Okemah Alumni Association, and Quarterhorse Association. He was licensed owner/trainer of the Oklahoma Racing Commission as well as New Mexico and Louisiana.

His hobbies included horse racing, fishing, hunting and writing poetry.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Charlie, and Ruby Dee Fox.

Survivors include his wife Barbara, of the home: three children, LaNita Brewer and husband Dale, of Enid: Rene Blankenship, Frisco, TX., and Jason Fox and wife Dana, Okemah: two brothers Charles W. Fox and wife Patsy of Okmulgee, and Earnest H Fox and wife Billie Gail of Okemah: two sisters, LuCretia Holland and husband Fount, of Tahlequah, and Dorothy Thompson and husband Glen of Okmulgee, six grandchildren, Dale Brewer II, Angela Bergevin, Jon Ryan Blankenship, Will Blankenship, Madison Blankenship and Loren Fox.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Honor Guard served as pallbearers.

Interment was at Highland Cemetery, Okemah.