Jim L. Roe passed peacefully from this life on April 28th, 2021. He was 84 years old. Jim’s humble beginning was on a farm north of Agra, OK June 18th, 1936. He was the son of William E. and Vivian Boles Roe. Jim was the youngest of the boys, Floyd, Mick, Bill, Bob and Jack. He had two sisters, Cindy and Erma.
Jim married Shirley Girk in October of 1964. He proudly adopted her son Dennis and the two had 3 children together. Sherrie, Cindy and Kelly. Jim was determined to provide everything his family needed and wanted. He was proud of his humble roots but wanted a different life for his own family. He was driven to work hard and to spend lots of family time traveling, fishing, and hosting large gatherings of family and friends.
Jim was a self-employed builder and contractor and cattleman. During simpler times he worked a crew of 8 men and remodeled houses all over Payne County but mostly in Cushing. He never forgot one of his jobs and would point them out to you as you drove around town. At one time he and Shirley owned 60 houses. He also built new homes and developed several housing additions. Meadow Valley in Cushing, Coal Creek Estates in Drumright and Hidden Canyon North of Agra were all his creations and he built two houses in each addition.
Jim also traded livestock, mostly cattle. He owned and leased lots of acreage and he kept the road hot traveling to cattle auctions in a large cattle truck with his best friend, Charlie Duvall listening to George Jones music. He loved the camaraderie of the other cattlemen, the excitement of the auction and the time spent working cattle.
The only paying job that Jim had was an elected office. He was elected County Commissioner and he prided himself on keeping roads and bridges in good condition, providing good safe working conditions for county employees and carefully overseeing county funds. He was responsible for building the New District 1 county barn. When the commissioner/supplier scandal swept through the state of Oklahoma he was not spared. He spent 4 months and 18 days in a federal prison in Big Spring, Texas. Jim always made the best of every situation and this was different. One of the first inmates he became acquainted with was Billie Sol Estes. The two shared many things in common. Their love of family, the Bible and a devotion to the church of Christ were just a few. They became close friends and that friendship continued after both were released and until Billie’s death.
This brief obituary does not have enough room to list all of Jim’s life accomplishments and good works. He was a life long member of the church of Christ and a 32nd degree Mason. He was a very generous person and never thought twice about buying a meal, a pair of shoes or a coat for a needy child or adult. He has paid many utility bills, burial costs and met other needs for those less fortunate than he was. His favorite saying was “if a person shows up at your door in dirty, old, ragged clothes, do your best to help them because they may have a pair of angel wings under that coat.”
Jim was tougher than boot leather and he overcame many health challenges in his last years. He valiantly fought the infection that eventually ended his life. He will be greatly missed by many friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, one beloved granddaughter, Ashley Roe, nieces, nephews and many friends. He is survived by his wife Shirley, children Dennis Roe (Cindy), Sherrie Bean (Jerry Don), Cindy Roe and Kelly Roe (Leslie). Grandchildren Tara Webb (Zach) Whitley Campbell (Daniel), Nicholas Wotipka (Amy), Jason Wotipka, Jerod Bean (Susan) Ashley McDonald (Jason) Kaleb Roe, Dyllon Roe (Jessica), Kyle Brown, Keeley Roe, Waylon Roe and Wyatt Roe and 15 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind 2 sisters in law, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
