James C. Staves was born on November 26, 1932 in Owensboro, Kentucky to Curtis Warren & Alice Marie (Bachman) Staves. He passed from this life on December 23, 2007 in Tulsa, Oklahoma just 27 days after his 75th birthday.

James had been a resident of the Tulsa area since 1962 and had lived in Bixby since 1985. He was proud to have served his country as a member of the United States Army. His working years were spent as a corporate customer service manager for many different companies such as Zebco, North American Rockwell, Lowrance and the Williams Companies. He was a member of the Leonard First United Methodist Church. He will be remembered as an outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting. His greatest love was of his family and he will be deeply missed by all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Velda L. (Woods) Staves whom he married on August 23, 1953 in Joplin, Missouri. He is also survived by 1 son; James C. Staves II and his wife Dorothy Miller, of Allen, Texas, 6 grandchildren; Jessica Lynn German, Ora Yoder, Russell Yoder, James C. Staves III, Cassie Staves & Samantha Staves, 4 great-grandchildren; Brianna Yoder, Payton Yoder, Aidan Yoder & Addison German, 1 nephew; Jeff Duncan, 1 niece; Vicki Dorsey and several other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by 1 daughter; Janet Lynn Yoder in 1989 and 1 sister; Linda Duncan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Sucks Inc. at P.O. Box 1091, Bixby, OK 74008.