James Richard Rader's Obituary
James (Jim) Richard (J.R.) RaderJune 13, 1929 – October 17, 2017 Jim was born in Wilkins, OK to Lee Luther and Fanny Ryan Rader. Fanny died shortly after his birth. His family of 2 brothers and 3 sisters moved to the hills of Arkansas to escape the Dust Bowl, and to better deal with the Great Depression. He would tell stories of those years of hunting raccoons, possums and crows. He also almost died twice, once from the whooping cough and the other from asphyxiation. At age 14, Jim and his brother went to live with relatives. From there he made the strong choice to become active in school (started on basketball team), graduate, move to Tulsa to work, serve in the U.S. Army, and make a commitment to Janice Halcomb that resulted in 60 years of marriage. Born to them were sons David (wife Janet), and Derek (wife Pam). Jim and Janice LOVED attending their son’s athletic events both near and far. Jim retired from Oklahoma Department of Transportation in 1988 after 22 years of service. Known as Chief, Jim, through his surveyor’s transit, was the first to see I-244 and the eastern segment of the IDL, as well as highway 169. In his early days he worked on the Turner Turnpike and Lake Keystone. Jim was Grandpa to 7, and Great Grandpa to 6: Daniel and Deidra Rader (sons Jax & Jett); Katy Rader Thacker and David (son Elliott); Jordan and Emily Rader (son J.D. and daughter AnnaBelle Claire); Julie Rader Pilkington and Adam; Kendal Rader McMahon and Michael (son Meyers); Jake and Jessica Rader, and Brandon Rader. Jim spent his retirement years working with the good people at T. Roy Barnes. Jim and Janice were longtime members of Riverview Baptist Church and were the foundation of their Rockers group, and loved being with their Rocker friends. Jim will be missed by many. His most enduring quality was to look for the silver lining in everything realizing it was never sunset, but sunrise. In lieu of flowers, give in memory of Jim to the North Harvard Salvation Army Boys Club. Visitation will be 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, October 20th, Floral Haven Funeral Home.Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 21st, Riverview Baptist Church, Bixby with committal service to follow at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Broken Arrow
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