Jimmie Byford's Obituary
Jimmie "Jim" Randall Byford, 81, of Tulsa, Oklahoma went to be with the Lord on February 4, 2026. He passed away at home with family after a battle with congestive heart failure.
Jim was born on May 25, 1944, in Stroud, Oklahoma to Vernon and Bessie Byford. He married Beverly on November 17, 1969, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have been married for 56 years.
He was a 1962 graduate from Daniel Webster High School and obtained his continuing education requirements from Tulsa University. Jim started working at the young age of 14 at a watermelon stand. After high school, he went to work for White's Trucking Company. He then worked at Git N Go, where he met Beverly in 1967.
Next, Jim worked at Crane Carrier Company, until he retired after 47 years. He started at the parts counter. He was promoted to assistant parts manager and then parts manager. Upon retirement, Jim was blessed to be a papa and enjoyed spending everyday with Gracie, his other favorite girl.
In order to stay busy, he went back to work five years ago at O'Reilly's Auto Parts store and worked there until the end of 2025 due to health concerns. During his younger years, Jim liked to race cars on and off the raceway. He would tell his kids about the 50 different race cars he had and the races he had experienced.
He was in a band named Tiny and the Vikings where he played guitar and keyboards. Jim even made his own guitars with the help of good friend and colleague David Frazier. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. He and the kids even attempted their own home band where they played their favorite tunes taught by him.
Jim bowled in leagues for many years with friends and colleagues until his kids were older and they came up with their own team - the Westside Hookers and the 4X4RDS. He bowled a sanctioned 300 game and received a ring for the milestone. He played golf with his sons. He taught the kids to play pool.
They also would have foosball tournaments to see who was the "Champion of 420". He enjoyed shooting hoops in the yard with Brett and attend Brett's basketball games in high school. He even drove through a blizzard to attend a game in Miami.
He loved astronomy and showed the family the different planets, stars, etc. through his telescope. Jim used to stand outside to watch thunderstorms, especially the lightning. He even went so far as to take fantastic pictures of lightning from the roof. Those pictures helped Julie earn a good grade on a science project.
Jim also loved to fly. He could often be found on his computer with his flight simulator. When he was on the company jet, the pilot would often let him sit in the cockpit, but that still didn't satisfy his want to fly. When he was closer to retirement, he actually took flying lessons so he could finally say he was able to fly a plane.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Vernon and Bessie Byford and a brother John Byford. He is survived by his wife Beverly; sons Tracey Byford and Brett Byford; daughter Julie Makinson and husband Gary; grandchildren Gracie Byford, Zachary Johnson, Madison Love and husband Matt; great grandchildren Faith Miller, Holley Love, McKenzie Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, and Macie Love.
He had numerous nieces and nephews. Jim helped countless people while he was here with us. He will be missed by many. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Floral Haven Chapel, 6500 S. 129th E. Ave. in Broken Arrow.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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