James Christopher

James J. Christopher, 82 year-old, lifelong Seminole County resident passed from this life Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at the Veterans Care Center in Norman, Oklahoma.  He was born September 10, 1929 in Seminole, Oklahoma to parents “Pete” Christopher and Amy (Word) Christopher. James graduated from Varnum High School in 1946.  He went on to earn an accounting degree from Oklahoma A&M (Now Oklahoma State University). James served in the United States Army with the 45th Division during the Korean War.  He earned the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Camp Star, United Nations Service Medal and the Army Occ Medal (Japan). On May 28, 1954, James married Alice Mae “Sally” Arnold in Seminole, Oklahoma. James worked as an accountant for Exxon for over twenty years.  He then went to work as an auditor for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections until his retirement.  James was also a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Maud, Oklahoma. James leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 58 years “Sally” Christopher of the home in Seminole; One daughter, Jamie Bates and her husband Steve Frazier of Blue Springs, Missouri; 3 brothers, Arthur Christopher, Danny Christopher and Charles Christopher all of California; 3 sisters, Dortha West of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sandy Self of Shawnee, Oklahoma and Darlene O’Brian of Konawa, Oklahoma; 3 grandchildren, Dakota Bates, Hunter Bates and Logan Bates all of Blue Springs, Missouri.  James is also survived by a host of other family and dear friends. James is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Jerry Christopher and Ronnie Christopher and by 4 sisters, Reba, Colleen, Viva and Nelletta. Graveside services with Military Honors are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 7, 2012 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma with pastor Rusty McMullen officiating.  Following the graveside service at Maple Grove a Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church in Maud, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: September 7, 2012, 11:00 AM Graveside Service at Maple Grove in Seminole located at Strother and Boren, Seminole, OK 74868