Wilma "Sue" James, age 80, peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs. A funeral service celebrating Sue's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 5, at Garden Heights Freewill Baptist Church, with Pastor Doyle Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Memorial Park of Sand Springs. Viewing will be 12-8 p.m., Wednesday, with family greeting friends 5-7 p.m.

Sue was born on July 5, 1944, in Stigler, Oklahoma, to Alton Franklin Kimbrell and Loretta (Honeycutt) Kimbrell. She grew up in the Jenks community, where she graduated from Jenks High School. While working at Kmart in Sand Springs, Sue met the love of her life, Dennis Lee "D.J." James, and the two were married on July 28, 1978, in Bartlesville.

A devoted mother and homemaker, Sue also pursued her passion for helping others by earning a degree to serve as a tour guide for the Sand Springs Senior Center, a role she cherished for several years. Sue had a deep love for travel, especially with her sister, Linda. Her favorite destination was Alaska, a place she visited five times. She also enjoyed trips to Branson and organized annual family vacations to places like Disneyworld, Disneyland, and Silver Dollar City. Her family fondly remembers the chili she made every Christmas.

Sue was outgoing, talkative, friendly, and had a great sense of humor—she never met a stranger. An avid shopper, she often enjoyed shopping trips with her sister, Linda. Sue also dabbled in crafting and had a special fondness for watching crime shows.

A dedicated member of Garden Heights Freewill Baptist Church, Sue was deeply involved in her church community. She faithfully provided meals for the monthly senior citizen dinners, helped organize flowers for the church, and was always present whenever the church doors were open.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents; and her son, Dennis Scott James. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, D.J., of the home; her children: Kathy Baker and husband, Ken of Tulsa, Denise William of Salina, Kansas, Vicky Winters and husband, Bill of Tulsa, Ron Simmons and wife, Melissa of Parker, Colorado, and Wayne James and wife, Vonda of Mannford. Sue is also survived by her sister, Linda Little, and husband, Carl of Sapulpa; her beloved grandchildren: Preston Baker, Jennifer Nowak, Jason Baker, Nikki Jo Baker, Michael William, David William, Danielle William, Nicole Perez, Cody Blackburn, Kyle Winters, Jenna Quinter, Travis Przeklasa, Blake Simmons, Michael Simmons, Matthew Simmons, Charlotte Simmons, Brittney Workman, Tyler Arter, Breeanna James, McKayla Wilson, and Coalton James; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Sue's warmth, generosity, and love for her family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Leave your memories of Sue and view her tribute online at www.mogro.co.