James Leroy Quimby's Obituary
James Leroy Quimby
10/1/1935 - 10/9/2023
Born in Stillwater, OK on October 1, 1935, to Howard and Tammer Quimby, James, lovingly known as "Jim", Leroy Quimby went peacefully to heaven on October 9, 2023, at the age of 88.
Jim grew up in Stillwater, OK with a passion for baseball, spending time as the ball boy for the Oklahoma State baseball team. Additionally, he enjoyed playing French horn in the high school band. After his junior year, his family relocated to Tulsa where he attended Webster High School and Carbondale Assembly of God. There he met Julia Jean Warnock; they dated for several years and were married April 6, 1956.
Shortly afterwards, Jim entered the Army in support of the Korean war. Stationed in various locations in the Midwest during his service, including long, hot summers in Louisiana, he earned an expert marksmanship award. After his departure from the armed forces, Jim became a member of the Tulsa Fire Department at the alarm office downtown, and later served at multiple fire stations around Tulsa during his career. He remained with the fire department for 20 years before retiring.
During his time at the Fire Department, Jim’s lifetime love of automobiles and racing led him to work at various automotive parts stores on his days off. Because he thoroughly loved this work, he maintained a long career, spanning over 45 years, much of which was with Whitlock Auto Supply and Pep Boys. Before officially retiring, Jim held managerial positions at several locations, and was known for his deep knowledge of auto parts and customer service.
Throughout his lifetime, Jim delighted in various hobbies. He spent countless hours listening to gospel music. Steve and Jeff attended many car races with their dad during the 70’s and 80’s. They all continued to follow racing, particularly Indy car racing, and attended the Indy 500 together several times. (These trips left them all with precious memories of good times together.) As a family, the Quimbys traveled to Arkansas nearly every year to enjoy the fall colors and changing of the seasons. Jim regularly played tennis and golf with family and friends for decades. And he was known to be an expert ping-pong player at the firehouse. After retirement, Jim and Judy journeyed across the US and Canada on various bus trips. They both immensely enjoyed each of these trips and made fond memories.
Holidays were always a favorite of Jim’s, especially the candies and baked sweets that fed his insatiable sweet tooth—a generational trait. In later years, Jim joined the Sunshine Group at Carbondale, and was caught many times “sneaking” an extra desert to take home.
Finally, and most importantly, Jim had a deep and personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In his 70’s, Jim realized that although he had attended church all his life, he had never committed to a personal relationship with God. He surrendered his life to the Lord and publicly proclaimed this decision by being baptized at his church in October of 2009. Jim was always a gentle man, willing to jump in and help anyone, in any circumstance. He was an encouraging and caring husband to Judy, a supportive and loving father to Steve and Jeff and a kind and generous grandfather to their children. Although he is now rejoicing with Our Father, in Heaven, Jim’s earthly presence will be sorely missed.
Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Julia (née Warnock) and sons Steve (Wanda) and Jeff (Michelle), four grandchildren: Hunter, Cole, Maryn and Finn, his nephew Don, nieces Edith and Mary, and many other family members and friends.
A personal message from Jim’s only granddaughter, Maryn Quimby:
My grandfather was a funny, caring and supportive person. He always had a joke to tell or a funny line to add to a struggling conversation. Even in his old age, he was still pulling pranks on those little old ladies in the lunchroom. Everyone who knew my Pop-pop loved him because of this and his servant’s heart.
He listened attentively and carefully considered his words. He was a smart man who was successful at various hobbies. I remember walking into his house and always seeing a beautiful puzzle laying on the dining room table. He was a supportive grandfather to me and my brother, always encouraging me in my hobbies, and making me and my brother feel impressive and important.
I also have memories of him supporting my grandmother by being loving and helpful. As a caring and supportive friend, he shone light into hard situations and brightened everyone’s day.
He and I have a special connection: we share a birthday. October 1 was always a treat to spend with him. Although he was affected by dementia, and it aggravatingly interfered with many parts of his life, he never forgot his special day. As “his girl,” I can honestly say that I am grateful for my funny, loving and supportive grandfather. Now he is celebrating in heaven with Jesus and left this harsh world with a beautiful legacy.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at Floral Haven Funeral Home: 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Anyone wishing to send flowers may do so by ordering through our website or by calling Floral Designs by Floral Haven at (918) 459-1525. Any other florists may deliver flowers by 3:00 PM on Monday, October 16, 2023, in order for them to be set out during visitation.
A funeral service to honor the life of James will be held the following day, Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 11:00 AM, in Floral Haven's Rose Chapel: 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Services will be live-streamed for anyone who is unable to physically attend. Livestream Link: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/93465
Interment will follow immediately after conclusion of the chapel service at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Prophets, where both the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Tulsa Fire Department Honor Guard will be in attendance to render Honors in remembrance of Jim.
Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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