Obit of James, Leslie Allen - Leflore County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Shelly Lynch 04 Feb 2007 Return to Leflore County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/leflore/leflore.htm ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== ::New Talihina Cemetery--Talihina OK Leslie A. James December 01, 1921 - June 19, 2006 Tulsa, OK Visitation: 10:00AM - 8:00PM June 22, 2006 at Methodist Church, Talihina, OK Funeral Service: 11:00 AM June 23, 2006 at Talihina Little Theater Interment: Following Service June 23, 2006 at New Talihina Cemetery Obituary for Leslie Allen James Leslie Allen James, age 84 of Talihina, Oklahoma, was born on December 1, 1921, at Burkhart, Oklahoma. He passed away June 19, 2006, at Tulsa Regional Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Leslie went quietly about daily doing things for people. Many times only the person that he was helping knew. Leslie served on the Choctaw tribal council under the old constitution in 1981 through 1983. Re-elected, he served under the new constitution 1987 through 1999, for 15 years. Leslie grew up in a Choctaw home and community. He spoke the Choctaw language fluently as this was his first language. Leslie worked closely with the United States Government Agencies and with high government officials. Leslie was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, Leslie served in the infantry on the front lines in Germany, Belgium, France and Italy. General George Patton personally pinned the Silver Star on Leslie in the field after the Battle of the Bulge. As a civilian, Leslie continued to fight for veterans and their families for entitled benefits. Leslie was Service Officer for both American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars that was Leslie’s philosophy; to be of service to his fellow man. Leslie served on the LeFlore County Draft Board until Congress abolished the board. The Oklahoma Governor appointed Leslie to three state advisory boards; Mental Health Planning Council, Mental Health Task Force and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Multi County PAC Board. After working as an LPN for over 35 years at the Talihina Indian Hospital, Leslie continued his passion to work for the Choctaw people. Leslie touched many lives, quietly helping many people. He had a genuine love for his Choctaw people, love for his children and understood working people. He had a special place in his heart for the elderly. He married Glenda Caldwell on May 24, 1977, at Poteau, Oklahoma; they have been married for 29 years. He was preceded in death by his parents Allen James and Levicey (Fobb) James, a son John Martin James in November of 2004, and a daughter Donna Kay James in April 1975. He was a member of the Rock Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Honobia, Oklahoma. Survivors include his wife of the home, four sons; Lloyd Allen James of Talihina, Oklahoma, Charles Blair James of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Steve Patterson of Poteau, Oklahoma, Keith Patterson of Argyle, Texas, seven daughters; Cyndi Houser of Calera, Oklahoma, Sylvia Sigler of Talihina, Oklahoma, Mona Allison of Shady Point, Oklahoma, Carolyn Furr of Alma, Arkansas, Beth Wallen of Corsicana, Texas, Julie Massey of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Nina Morgan of Poteau, Oklahoma, twenty two grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, numerous friends and loved ones. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 23, 2006, at the Talihina Little Theater in Talihina, Oklahoma, with Rev. Kenny Bryant and Rev. Jim Lester officiating. Interment will follow service at New Talihina Cemetery in Talihina, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Leslie’s grandsons; honorary pallbearers will be the Choctaw Tribal Council both past and present and the Talihina Choctaw Center Domino Group. He will be available for viewing from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, June 22, 2006, at the Methodist Church in Talihina. Services under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home in Poteau, Oklahoma. To place an online tribute you may visit www.gracemanorfh.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., Suite 1100, New York, NY 10016, Phone: (800) 622-9010, (212) 889-2210 Fax: (212) 689-9261 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to LeFlore County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/leflore/leflore.htm