Dennis Ray James (65) , D.J. to those who knew him, passed away Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016 at his home in Mannsville, Oklahoma. D.J. was born on April 18th, 1950 in El Centro, California to the late William Franklin James Sr. and Sybil Lucille Bell James. He was raised in Mannsville attending school and graduating from MHS in 1969. He then enlisted in the United States Army in 1970, bravely serving during the Vietnam War until 1971. During his time in the Army D.J. received multiple decorations for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.  D.J. then returned to Mannsville, where he lived out the rest of his life. He worked at W.W. trailers, before starting work at the Valero Refinery in Ardmore, where he remained until his retirement. D.J. was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Union of Operators and Engineers. His passions included golfing, hunting, bird watching, and bailing hay.

He is survived by:

Children:                     Matt James and wife Krista, Mannsville, Oklahoma

Danesa Wilson and husband Scott, Mannsville, Oklahoma
Chrystal Skanes, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Grandchildren:           Samantha Stoker, J.D. Stoker, Rhayleigh James, Trooper Wilson,
and Mattie James

Great Grandchildren:  Grayson Byrd, Gabby Wolford, Aiyanna Stoker, Bentley Stoker,
and Abby Stoker

Brothers:                       Frank James, Mannsville, Oklahoma

W.F. James and wife Polly, Chandler, Oklahoma

Rick James, Mannsville, Oklahoma

Also Leatha James, Frank and Tina Kollar, and many special friends he considered family.

D.J. was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Betty Copeland and Jean Chaffin

Casket Bearers: Matt James, Derek Gray, Patrick Robbins, Scott Wilson, James Harrell, Brandon Hill

Hon. Bearers: Dean Copeland, Thurman Rail, Tommy Brown, Billy Hudson, J.P. Hockersmith, Randy Montgomery, and all of D.J.'s nephews.