James Joseph Archibald's Obituary
James J. (Jim) Archibald, 89, Broken Arrow, passed away February 26, 2024. Jim lived a long and fulfilling life, rich with family, friends, travel, and hard work. Jim was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was born in Omaha, NE March 12, 1934. He attended Holy Name High School before proudly enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and served his country in both Korean and Vietnam wars. In total, he served 26 years in the military through active duty, reserves, and Air National Guard service.
After a lengthy career at American Airlines, Jim transitioned to a very busy retirement. He volunteered for 19 years at Broken Arrow Neighbors and spent his winters with Eileen at Victoria Palms Resort in south Texas where they played bocce ball, enjoyed happy hours, and spent countless hours by the pool with their beloved fellow “winter Texans”.
Jim and Eileen’s love story began over seven decades ago and their love and commitment were a wonderful example to everyone who knew them.
Jim was always available to offer assistance to friends, neighbors, kids, and grandkids with car trouble. His garage was his favorite spot in the house and he could often be found under the hood of a recently towed treasure from the auto auction.
Two of his favorite things in life were family gatherings and watching Sooner football.
Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eileen; daughter Kathy; son Ed (Dana); daughter Mary Beth (Jeremy); daughter Karen (Rob); eight grandchildren Kara (TJ), Evan (Melissa), Brenna (Adam), Jason, Kevin (Kristen), Brian (Victoria), Kayleigh (Jordan), Chase, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Edward and Mary Bridget, his brothers, John Edward, Jr., Bill, and Bob; sister, Mary Elizabeth, and many cherished friends and neighbors.
To honor Jim please spend time with your family, do something nice for someone, or make someone laugh today.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at Bellarose Senior Living and Saint Francis Hospital for their exceptionally kind and compassionate care.
A funeral mass will be held Saturday, March 2 at 9:30am at St Anne Catholic Church in Broken Arrow. Private family burial.
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