James E. McGuffin

James was born in August 1926 in Blair, Oklahoma. He grew up in Blair during the Great Depression. Jim’s father Samuel, who was also blind, lost the family business so in 1940 they moved to Oklahoma City looking for a work and a better life. Dad and his younger sisters, Billie Sue and Shirleye started school in Oklahoma City. He attended Taft Middle School and Central High School where he joined the ROTC hoping to be a pilot. He enlisted in the US Army at 17 with his father’s permission. Jim was trained as a tail gunner and navigator until 1945 when the war ended. He went to Weatherford College and became a pharmacist. In 1947 he met his wife of 61 years, Lodema. In 1950 their son Larry was born followed in 1953 by James Edward who died in 1975, the same year Dad became a deacon at Portland Avenue Baptist Church. In 2000 Dad lost his eyesight but he remained a loving and positive person. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lodema McGuffin; son, Larry McGuffin and his wife, Marguerite; sisters, Billie Mitchell and Shirleye McCraw; and other loving family members and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, OK.