Lyda Hayes James

Lyda Hayes James was born in Oklahoma City on May 1, 1929 to Kent Birch and Margret Vose Hayes. In 1946, she married her childhood sweetheart, G.W., and together, they created a life filled with laughter, music, a multitude of deep friendships, flowers, shitzous, bulldogs, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lyda was one of the "Crazy Ladies" and an accomplished tennis player and golfer. She was a master at piecing together complex puzzles and was a very accomplished needle-pointer. Though never formally trained, she had a God given talent for architectural and interior design. One of her greatest accomplishments was assisting with the design and construction of the family home they called Outabounds. In her early years Lyda was an active member of the Junior League and the Beaux Arts Ball serving as it's chairwoman in 1968. Though Oklahoma City was home for Lyda, a significant part of her life was spent at the summer home in Harbor Springs, Michigan. She and George were often the last "resorters" to leave following a very active summer regimen, waiting instead for winter to really set in and getting a little peace and quiet. Lyda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 67 years, George W. James and her beloved sister Yvonne Parker. She is survived by her four boys Bill and wife Jamie of Boulder, Colorado and their children Kent, Jessie and Taylor; Gib and wife Jennifer of Oklahoma City and their children Jason, Kristen Creamer (Chuck) and Kim Marable (Rob); Jeff of Harbor Springs, Michigan and his children Dan and Brooke; and Grant and wife Marcee of Fort Worth, Texas and their children Will (Cassie) and Holt; and seven Great Grand Children, Nathan, Ethan and Reagan Creamer, George James, Gibson and Stella Marable, Georgia and Hayes James. Lyda is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dannie Bea Hightower, Nephews Johnson Hightower and wife Millie, Michael Hightower and wife Judy, Richard Parker and wife Jan, Stephen Parker, and niece Susan Parker and partner Drew Neville. The family wishes to express deep and sincere thanks to the care giver team from Laura Lynn's Home Care including Kathy, Christy, Natasha and Phyllis. Their compassion and commitment for our mother's well being these last fourteen months was a blessing and for that we will be forever grateful. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Oklahoma Humane Society, 7500 N. Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 or The Little Traverse Conservancy 3264 Powell Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740