Jimmy Jim Jack Herring

1931 - 2016

After celebrating his 85th birthday surrounded by his loving family, Jimmy Jack Herring finished his earthly race, packed his bags and made his final journey to his permanent home in Heaven on Saturday, October 02, 2016. Today he is with his wife, free of pain, resting at the feet of Jesus.

Jimmy Jack, known as “Jim”, was born September 30, 1931 to Julius “Jeff” Herring and Mila May Jones. One of six children, Jim learned at a very early age to work hard and save for a rainy day. As a young boy, he worked for the Oklahoma Times as paper boy before joining the Army where he served in the Korean War as a payroll clerk.

Jim met the love of his life, Marilyn Helt, while bowling in a league with his brother, Rick. Both Jim and Rick would marry best friends shortly thereafter. Jim and Marilyn shared 61 wonderful years together and built a beautiful family after being married June 19, 1953.

After Jim’s discharge from the US Army, he worked at the El Reno Penitentiary, then later for Western Electric where he was the treasurer for the IBEW, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. In 1986, Jim retired from Western Electric/Lucent Technology and become an entrepreneur with his wife Marilyn. Together they operated J & M Signs and Specialties until his eyesight failed from diabetes.

One of Jim and Marilyn’s favorite pastimes was to serve as volunteers for the Pioneers of America. They created tablecloths to replicate the casino and had miniature casino nights to raise money for the Ronald McDonald house.

Jim loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping and fishing. It wasn’t just a hobby for him, but also a fun way to spend time with his wife and kids. He also helped start the Oklahoma Bass Masters Club as a tube fisherman and enjoyed entering tournaments across the state.

Jim was a hard worker all of his life. He raised five children on a minimal income and allowed his wife to stay home to care for the children and take care of the home. He was committed to his family in an amazing way. He instilled values that will live on forever: loyalty, integrity and honesty being just a few.

Jim is survived by five children, Susan Butterfield and Steve of Yukon; Denise Mitchell, and Terry of Oklahoma City; Jimmy Jack Herring Jr. of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Steven Herring and Jamie of Moore; and William Herring and Sharee of Moore; one brother, Gene Richard “Rick” Herring of Oklahoma City; nine grandchildren, Jerome Mitchell, Eric Mitchell, Amy Jones, Daniel Cave Amanda Lawrence, Christy Hearn, Stephanie Merrel, Alisa Herring and Kyle Herring; eighteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, family & friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Herring; his parents, Jeff and Mila Herring; one son-in-law, Rick Cave and four brothers. One brother who died at birth, Wayne Herring, Bob Herring, and Bruce Herring,

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Friday, October 7, 2016 at Council Road Baptist Church with Reverend Norman Behymer officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Cemetery immediately following the service