James Delaney

James Delbert Delaney was born Jan. 13, 1956, in Pomona, California, to Eleanor Jean (Broughton) and Thomas James Delaney. He passed away surrounded by his family the night of Jan. 27, 2022, at his home in Keys, Oklahoma. He was 66.

James attended Westville Public Schools from age 9 through his high school graduation in 1974. He served his country by joining the U.S. Army shortly after his high school graduation. After an honorable discharge from service, he attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. James worked several years as a welder and was once awarded by his employer as the "hardest worker" in the company. He was an electrician's welder at the Muskogee OG&E Power Plant. James and his beloved wife, Regina (Collins), were married in 1979. Together, they had three children, Joshua, Brooke and Nikki. James and Regina established Delaney's Lake Country Paint & Body, an auto body and fiberglass repair business, in 1984. They also established a family-operated deer processing business in 2002. They were able to build their dream home in 1991. Family vacations were a priority over the years. They visited both coasts and many destinations in between, often including extended family in their trips. James was an avid sportsman and storyteller. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and scuba diving. His interests always included his family. His auto body repair business allowed him to feed his love for cars and boats. James and Regina were charter members of the (5C's) Cherokee County Classic Car Club. They took pride in restoring several classic cars for area car shows. James was also a devoted and proud parent. He delighted in coaching his children's sports and supporting their school activities. He and Regina succeeded in their goals to provide each of their children with a nice car and educational opportunities. He saw all three of his children receive a college education as they began their adult life and professional careers. James took special delight in his four beautiful grandchildren, Alexis "Lexi," Maddox, Everlee and Lailynn. James loved our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He read the entire Bible from front to back. He prayed every morning and night. Together, James and Regina enjoyed church services from home during the pandemic. He was baptized Nov. 14, 2021, at Life Church alongside his daughter, Nikki, and grandson, Maddox.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Broughton of Westville; father, Thomas Delaney of Barstow, California; father-in-law, Dee Witt Collins of Westville; and his grandfather and grandmother, Herbert and Nellie Broughton of Westville.

He is survived by his wife, Regina Delaney of the home; his children, Joshua Delaney of Jenks, Brooke and husband Kelly Henderson of Oklahoma City, and Nikki and companion Justen Ward of Tulsa; his grandchildren, Lexi Delaney, Maddox and Everlee Henderson and Lailynn Ward; his brother, Louis Delaney of Park Hill; sisters and brothers-in-law, Leeanna and Keith Baer of Cincinnati, Arkansas, Eleanna and Jed Kirby of Watts, Janel Terrell-Nail of Tahlequah; brother, Dean Hennessey of Nevada; his mother-in-law, Shirley Mae Colunga; aunt and uncle, Phyllis and Johnny Lockwood of Proctor; numerous nephews and nieces and great-nephews and great-nieces, cousins and other family and friends.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 1, 2022, at Hart Funeral Home in Tahlequah. Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. An open viewing will be held from noon until 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31. Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."