He proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army, and with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. On September 30, 1941 James married Grace Vera Sands, the two shared 73 years and 7 months together before her passing on May 7, 2015. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time in his vegetable gardens. James worked on Tinker Air Force Base for 35 years and retired from his civil service on November 1, 1978.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Grace; siblings, Sam and John Choate, Edna Willingham and Lois Perry. Survivors include his children, Bill Choate and wife, Teresa, Gary Choate, Donny Choate and wife, Patricia, Grace Laverne Martin and husband, Phillip; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2015 in the Bill Eisenhour Southeast Chapel. Interment will follow at Sunny Lane Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.eisenhourfuneral.com
