James William Kinkade's Obituary
James William Kinkade passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on February 3, 2014. James was born in Creston, Iowa on September 2, 1950 to Harry and Breta Kinkade the fourth of six children. He graduated from Creston High School in 1969 and attended Southwestern Community College. He managed the Creston Strand Theatre while in high school, worked on the construction crew for the Southwestern Community College, worked on the Union County Road/Bridge Crew, served as Sergeant in the Iowa Army National Guard and served as a Union County Deputy Sheriff in Iowa before moving to the Tulsa, Oklahoma in the late 1970’s. He worked several jobs in Tulsa and was at one time a Manager for Wendy’s. He was also a District Route Manager for Coca-Cola in the 1980’s when he incurred a debilitating injury followed by multiple surgeries which eventually left him disabled. Following two marriages and the birth of three children (Jeff, Jason, and Amy), he found the love of his life, Pam Hayes, at Sapulpa First Baptist Church where they sang in the choir together. They were married on July 12, 2005 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and spent 8 ½ years blissfully married, enjoying their children and grandchildren until his passing. Never one to be idle, James remodeled their home and he designed and planted a beautiful flower garden for his family to enjoy for years to come. He was always thinking of others and, being a great cook, he often baked bread, cookies and pies for his family and friends to enjoy. He was a kind and loving soul who loved God and cared deeply about his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Breta Kinkade and his beloved son, Jeff Kinkade. He is survived by his devoted wife, Pam Kinkade of Tulsa, and their shared children and grandchildren: Jason Kinkade and Chrystal Martinez (Angel, Dalton, Jeremy, Gage, Cynthia, Jasmine, Gabby, Nathaniel), Amy Castellanos and Derrick Reed (Kaitlin, Madison, Trey), Taylor Kinkade, Matt and Jennifer Hayes (Matthew, Luke, Angel), Daniel Hayes and Jennifer Gibson (Rayne, Alex, Audrey, Lexi). He is also survived by his brothers and sisters and their spouses: Michael and Vivian (Ankeny, Iowa), Mark and Judy Kinkade (Creston, Iowa), Cynthia and Steve Blakely (Keller, Texas), Susie and Dave McCay (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma), and Tim Kinkade and friend Kim (Pella, Iowa) and by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss his smiling face and gentle nature but who rejoice that he is in his heavenly home where there is no pain and sorrow.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?