James Sooter, Jr.

James E Sooter Jr. was born February 1, 1924 in Bluejacket, Oklahoma. He departed this world Sunday, October 08, 2006 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is survived by three children, Jimmie and Lynnda Sooter, Mark and Donna Elliott and Roxie Lawson, six grandchildren and six Great Grandchildren. Other survivors include a brother and his wife, Kenneth and Wynona and their families. Jim and Sara observed their Fiftieth wedding anniversary on February 24, 1996. Mr. Sooter was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Sara M. Sooter his mother and father James E (Lige) Sooter and Ella May Sooter. Also a sister, Wilma Sooter, two children twins, Ray and Sandra Sooter and a grandson Brian Elliott. James had many interests. They included pursuit of knowledge, professional education, and an enthusiasm for athletics, community involvement, a dedicated life to Christianity and a devotion to family. He attended universities and colleges in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Arkansas and Kansas. The GI Bill, Grants, scholarships and fellowships financed these studies. His main interests were mathematics and school administration. His professional education contributions were made over a space of four decades. During this period he served as a classroom teacher, coach, grade school principal, junior high principal, director of federal programs, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Jim's professional contributions were on local, county, state and national levels in OEA and NEA, particularly in the 60's and 70's and on the administrative levels in the 80's. He was recognized by the Vinita Chamber of Commerce for leadership and services following his retirement in 1985. A highlight was the designation of the addition at the high school as the "James E. Sooter Activity Center", by the Vinita Board of Education. An enthusiasm for athletics was reflected in an excellent college career in baseball and the signing of a professional contract. The professional aspect was short lived. He often observed there was a slight problem. He wasn't good enough. He coached high school baseball, basketball, served as an athletic official for over two decades and was greatly interested in the youth program of the Vinita Community. The Vinita Chamber of Commerce recognized him in 1971 for community involvement. His community involvement included youth activities, Red Feather Campaigns, rodeo worker, Lion's Club where he was president in 1974-1975. He served as Mayor of Vinita for Approximately three years. Highlights of his life, as a Christian was the acceptance of Christ at age thirteen, ordained as a deacon at age twenty-seven and teaching Sunday school classes for forty-five years. He served in many capacities in the churches of his choice. An outstanding characteristic was his positive attitude. His life can be summed up in the words of a poet. Let me with the setting sun, Know what I could, I've done, So when the day is spent, I can rest and be content. The family has ask that memorial contributions be made to the Brian Elliott Memorial Fund, at First Baptist Church in Vinita, Oklahoma Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 12, 2006 at First Baptist Church in Vinita with Dr. Henry Haynes, Dr. Larry Wallace and Reverend Oscar Golden officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita, OK. There will be a visitation at the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita, OK from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 11, 2006. Casketbearers will be Darrell Burroughs, Robert Reed, John Parker, Ron Panter, John Frost and Arnold Long. Honorary Casketbearers will be the Deacons of the First Baptist Church in Vinita. Friends and family may send condolences by viewing online obituaries at www.honoringmemories.com

Service Details

Thursday, October 12th, 2006 10:00am, First Baptist Church-Vinita

Interment Details