James Mitchell McCurtain, Sr.

James Mitchell (Mitch) McCurtain, long time resident of Maysville, Oklahoma, passed suddenly from this earthly world on Friday, December 5, 2014, at the age of 86. He is survived by his sons James McCurtain and wife, Rita, of Yukon, Oklahoma, Troy McCurtain of Duson, Louisiana, and daughter Deana McCurtain Stratton and husband Jerry, of Maysville. Survivors also include sister Jane Reyes and husband Raymond of Maysville, sister Mona Ivey of Hennepin, Oklahoma, and brother Paul McCurtain and wife Carolyn of Alex, Oklahoma. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, eleven great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Mitchell will also be greatly missed by the many, many friends he had. Mitchell was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadine, daughter Darla Sue McCurtain Fricker, and sons John Allen and Frankie Dale McCurtain. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Silas and Irene (Overby) McCurtain, and brothers Silas (Bug) McCurtain and Preston (PJ) McCurtain. Mitchell was born August 5, 1928, near LeFlore, Oklahoma, as the second child of Silas and Irene. Mitchell’s early years were spent in the Red Oak, Wister and LeFlore area of eastern Oklahoma where he attended Punkin Center School near Red Oak. At age twelve, the McCurtain family moved to the Maysville area where Mitchell attended Garvin Springs School. Mitchell entered the trucking industry at an early age and became a professional truck driver traveling the United States and Canada. He also operated a hay hauling business, and was involved in farming and cattle ranching. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sports enthusiast. Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his fishing buddy Jakob. Mitchell was a devoted father and grandfather to many. He also enjoyed attending Abundant Love Church, and was a member of the Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 – 8 pm, Monday at Winans Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the Abundant Love Fellowship, Maysville with Rev. Danny Gamble officiating. Burial will be in the Maysville Cemetery under the direction of John Williams of Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, OK. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.winansfuneralhome.com