James Willard Brownfield

Jim Brownfield passed away October 28, 2009 at his home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Jim was born near Morris, Oklahoma on April 1, 1923 to Gordon and Alice Brownfield. Jim is survived by his loving wife Iris Brownfield, son Stephen Brownfield and his wife Claire of Salem, Oregon, daughter Janet McGrath and her husband Michael of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and brother Fred Brownfield of Dewar, Oklahoma. As a young man during the Great Depression, Jim joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. This is where Jim discovered his life long joy of cooking. Many fine memories were shared of his work building a reservoir in Paradox Basin Colorado. This came to an abrupt end with the start of WWII. At the beginning of WWII, Jim joined the army and served with the 65th Medical Depot Company. He was stationed at the G45 Medical Depot near Thatcham, in the royal county of Berkshire, England. This is where Jim met the love of his life, Iris. Jim and Iris began their joyous 64 years together when they married, in Thatcham village church, at the end of WWII. After WWII, Jim and Iris began their life together in Okmulgee where Jim worked for Okmulgee Furniture and Buck Beaverson Home Furnishings. He eventually bought the decorating and custom frame shop business where he worked, re-named it The Paint Bucket and ran it until his retirement. Upon retirement, Jim continued part time with his picture framing business at home and enjoyed countless hours working in his beautiful yard and gardens. His love of bird watching was endless as was his love of the outdoors. His love of travel resulted in many fine memories of beautiful places visited and the new friends he made along the way. Jim was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church. He loved the Church and its membership. He was a ruling elder in the Church and has served as Sunday school teacher in all grades, head usher and on many committees. Jim's love of life, family, friends, and Church sustained him. His generosity of spirit was endless. Jim never met a stranger. The family would like to thank the members of the First Presbyterian Church, friends and neighbors for their endless prayers and support. The family is very grateful to the Okmulgee Memorial Home Health personnel and Dr. Tom Alexander for the personal and professional care provided. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Okmulgee. Services will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, November 3rd at the First Presbyterian Church 401 South Seminole, Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Burial will be in the Okmulgee Cemetery following the service. Friends may visit the funeral home from 3-8 PM Monday and 8-12 on Tuesday. To my daddy, one last big hug, little hug, big kiss, little kiss, you'll be in my heart forever - Janet.

James Willard Brownfield

April 1, 1923 - October 28, 2009