Obituary for Kathy James
Kathy James
Beloved wife, mother and MiMi, Kathy James was called home to be with
her Heavenly Father on February 16, 2020. Kathy was a generous friend,
teacher, and mentor. Her presence will leave a gap in her community.
Kathy Jo James was a long time resident of Altus, Oklahoma. She was the
youngest child of Richard (Dick) and Marge Chase born November 26,
1965 at McGuire Air Force Base in Burlington County, New Jersey. The
Chase's had orders for Altus Air Force base in 1970 when they moved to
Altus. She attended Altus Public Schools graduating with the class of 1984.
In 7th grade, boy meets girl and they fall in love. Robbie James and Kathy
were the true example of first love that lasts. They were married May 17,
1985. They both attended WOSC and then moved to SWOSU in
Weatherford, Ok to finish college and earn her Bachelor's degree in
History. While there they became parents to their beautiful daughter
Kelsey. After graduation they moved to Dallas, Tx where they added to
their family and welcomed a son, Ryan. In 1993 the family moved back to
Altus to make their permanent home.
Upon returning back home Kathy's first career was working for attorney
Dan McMahan and Justice Richard Darby's law offices. After working in the
office she served as Justice Darby's Bailiff for several years. A new job
opportunity arose and Kathy took a position with Altus Athletics where she
worked until she decided to put that History degree to great use. In 2000
she started her educational career with Altus Public Schools and found the
love of teaching. Kathy taught at AMS and AJH where she brought history
to life each day. She had a bigger calling and wanted to be a difference
maker in the kids of Altus' future so she continued her education by earning a masters in school counseling. She moved to AHS in 2007 as a counselor. She had an intrical part in the conception of the Link Crew program that is still a vital part of AHS today. Kathy was always supporting ideas for the students to be able to overcome, adapt, become self confident and thrive in academics as well as life. She practiced what she preached and pushed herself to earn her second masters in administration.
Kathy was an Altus Bulldog through and through. She truly lived her motto
"It takes a village" by utilizing whoever and whatever was needed for her
students/her kids to find success. She preached "Once a Bulldog Always a
Bulldog" and that we have each other's back forever.
Kathy fiercely loved Kelsey and Ryan. She was always there cheering
them on in everything they would do. She was all about family and was
over the moon when her daughter and son fell in love. She knew that they
had found their perfect partner to walk through life with as she had done.
Kathy's greatest love was being MiMi to her grandbabies. The cycle had
just begun again watching her grandkids play sports, dance recitals, school
programs and class parties. Kathy was a warrior. The past year and a half she had the fight of her life battling breast cancer. She never missed a beat with her job, parenting, grandparenting and being the best friend to all. Kathy built her strength up and loved to work out with her Mad Dawg Athletics group. They were a life line and part of her village whom she loved like family. She was cleared and rang the bell this past fall. She set an example of strength, grace and kindness for us all.
Kathy was welcomed to her heavenly home by her parents, Richard and
Marge Chase and two brothers, Mike Chase and Dickie Chase.
Kathy will be greatly missed by her husband Robbie James, daughter
Kelsey and husband Marc Thompson, son Ryan and wife Kelli James. Her
precious grandchildren Lucas Don and Maci Jo Thompson and the much
anticipated baby Ada Joy James (due any day). She will be missed by her
sister, Sheila Whipkey, Mother and Father in law, Donna and Leon James,
brothers in laws, Steven and wife Wendy Williams, Kyle and wife Sheryl
James; her nephews, nieces, cousins and many many friends.
In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund has been established in Kathy's memory: Herring Bank care of Kathy Jo James Scholarship 721 N Main St, Altus, OK 73521. Their phone number is (580) 482-6100.
The James family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma.
To sign the online guest book and share memories with the family please visit www.Lowell-Tims.com
To send flowers in memory of Kathy James, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Viewing
Wednesday
19
Feb
6:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
Thursday
20
Feb
2:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
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