James W. Bruce Jr.

James Walton Bruce, Jr. died peacefully at home on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020. Jim grew up in Tishomingo and Ardmore, OK. He graduated from Ardmore High School, the University of Oklahoma, and the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. Jim married Betty Coombs in 1960, and they promptly moved to Long Beach, California, for Jim to fulfill his Navy ROTC commitment. After Harvard Business School took them from West to East Coast, the couple settled in Oklahoma City, where they raised their two boys, Jay and John, and Jim began a 25-year career in banking with Liberty National Bank, which he followed with a long career as Chairman and CEO of American Bank Systems.

Beyond devotion to his family and his faith, Jim loved music and the arts. He was a gifted tenor and award-winning painter. In 2006, Jim received the prestigious Governor’s Arts Award by Governor Brad Henry. In 2011, Jim was commissioned to paint two paintings for the Oklahoma Judicial Center. Jim was a signature member of Oil Painters of America and served on its Board of Directors. He was a non-resident artist member of the Salmagundi Club of New York – one of the oldest art clubs in America, and he was also a signature member of the Oklahoma Society of Impressionists.

During his life, Jim found many outlets to serve his Church and his community. In the Presbyterian Church, Jim sang in the choir and served on the Session; he also served on the boards of trustees for Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Texas Presbyterian Foundation. His civic service included, President and Director of Canterbury Voices (whose mission is to transform lives, educate the future, and inspire communities through great choral music); membership on the executive boards of Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business Administration and Oklahoma City University's Wanda L. Bass School of Music. Jim also served on the boards of InvesTrust of OKC and American Bank & Trust of Tulsa.

Jim was predeceased in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Dorothy Bruce, and by his grandson, John Cameron Bruce. He is survived by wife, Betty, of the home; his two sons, James W. Bruce, III and wife Joni of Edmond, OK, and John C. Bruce and wife Sheryl of Western Springs, Ill; four grandchildren, Ellen (Bruce) and husband, Tommy Duffy; Christopher Bruce; Ashley Bruce; and Hannah Bruce; along with many treasured friends and associates.

The family wishes to thank some special people who helped care for Jim, and Betty, during Jim’s prolonged illness: first and foremost, their close friend Aurora, along with Alesha, Nikki, Charlotte, Megan, and Frank.

A public viewing will be held, Friday, Jan. 1st from 12-6 pm at Hahn Cook on Broadway Extension. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and In Celebration of the Life of James Walton Bruce, Jr. will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, Saturday, Jan. 2nd at 2:00pm. Seating is limited; social distancing and masks are required. The service will be streamed online and can be viewed at fpcokc.org and click the worship live button.