Paul Michael "Mike" James, age 68, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home February 11, 2021, surrounded by family after 18 years of a hard-fought battle with many health issues.

     Mike was born April 4, 1952, in Seminole, OK, to Raymond Eugene James and Lucille Mardale (Williams) James. He was raised mostly in Earlsboro, OK. He later lived in Illinois and Texas building lifelong friendships along the way.

     Mike was a kind, generous, and hardworking. He loved helping his family, friends and neighbors. He was a jack of all trades. If you broke it, he could fix it or build you a better one. Most days you could find him in his shop restoring old cars, antiques or building knives. He was known for his story telling about all his adventures. Most of all he loved spending time with the love of his life Debbie. They were married for 40 wonderful years.

     He joined in heaven his parents, grandson Wyatt Merrick, father in law Bill Johnson, and brother in law Don Deleon.

     Left to cherish his memory is former wife Cheri (Wathan) James of Flora, IL their children Jennifer and Chad Oliver of Savannah, GA; Jesse and Christine James of Flora, IL. Wife Debbie (Johnson) James of the home and their children Julie and Ronny Merrick of McLoud, OK; Jeffrey and Chelsea James of Royce City, TX. Brothers and sisters Gary and Sharon James of Lake Kiowa, TX; Lary and Janie James of Mounds, OK; Vicki and Craig Birchall of Broken Arrow, OK and Connie Deleon of Shawnee, OK. Grandchildren Elijah and Joseph Oliver, Krysten Darrough and Carson James, Kyleigh and Brynleigh Merrick and Jacob James. Mother in law Edith Johnson of Shawnee, OK and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

 

     There will be a Celebration Of Life at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 1 p.m.