James Ogle, Jr.

James Monroe Ogle, Jr. 91, was born on March 31, 1933, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to James Monroe Ogle, Sr and Geneva Mae (Moore) Ogle. He passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by sister Sue (Ogle) Greer, brothers Roger Ogle and Dennis Ogle, and daughter Arden Lee Ogle.

Surviving members of his family include his loving wife, Elouise (Conrad) Ogle, his daughter Karen Mason, and his sons Terry and Kevin. His grandchildren include Marlyssa Ogle, Layne Cadieux, Kaylie Graves, Taylor Sullivan, Wyatt Ogle, Regan Ogle, Carson Ogle, and Anna Kate Mason; and great grandchildren, Kaelyn, Hadley, Emry, Elias, Brooklyn, and Oliver.

James grew up on the Liberty Prairie about 12 miles north of Tahlequah and attended elementary school in a one room, Liberty Schoolhouse. He graduated from Bagley High School in 1952 where he enjoyed playing football, boxing, civics club, and speech. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in industrial arts and a master's degree in education from Northeastern State College here in Tahlequah. James also proudly served in the United State Army from 1956 to 1958, stationed in Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas where he was an artillery staff sergeant.

James began his teaching career here in Cherokee County for the first five years. Then, he and Elouise moved to Thoreau, New Mexico where they taught elementary school for 24 years. During his teaching tenure, he served as head teacher and brought "Track and Field Days" to the elementary school. He coached basketball and track and was named The Teacher of the Year for the Gallup/ Mckinley County School District in 1986-1987.

After retiring from teaching school in 1987, James and Elouise tried their hand at cattle ranching but found a more fulfilling reward in preaching and ministering at the Moody Church of Christ. James began preaching in 1971 while in Thoreau, New Mexico and continued preaching and teaching at Moody until 2023.

James' hobbies included exploring Indian artifacts, searching for old relics or unusual rocks or gemstones, fishing, and floating the Illinois River.

Funeral Service will be 1 PM, Friday, November 15, 2024, at Hart Funeral Home in Tahlequah, burial to follow at Tahlequah City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the funeral home from 2 PM until 5 PM.