James Barry Fritts

James was born on February 13, 1961, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, at Baptist Hospital, to Virgil Ray Fritts and Carmen (Mannon) Fritts. James grew up to be a hardworking and adventurous individual. He was raised in a loving home surrounded by love laughter and a lot of adventure.

A graduate of Vian High School in Vian, Oklahoma, James furthered his education by taking graduate courses. He was a skilled carpenter, scuba diving instructor, and entrepreneur who owned his own business. James also worked as a truck driver and pilot car driver.

On July 28, 2015, James married his soulmate, Marlene (Millican) Fritts, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Although they later divorced, they remained close friends and companions, a testament to their enduring love and connection.

In his free time, James enjoyed scuba diving, reading, watching old movies, and dancing. He was a funny and lighthearted person who loved to joke around and tease those close to him. James had a way of making people feel at ease and enjoyed talking about almost anything. He was a loyal friend and a devoted family man. James had a passion for music, particularly classic rock, and enjoyed listening to artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Church, ZZ Top, and Chris Stapleton. He was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout his life, James created many fond memories, including visiting the Grand Canyon as a child and scuba diving in Cozumel. His love for adventure and his infectious personality will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

James was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Ray Fritts, and his sister, Debra Lynn Laymon. James is survived by his loving son, Ethan Ray Fritts of the home; three step-daughters, Hannah, Lynzee Lloyd, and Mangan Lloyd of Ore City, Texas; his mother, Mary Carmen Cassity of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; three sisters, Mary Ann Hughes of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Luci Suzanne Locust of Gore, Oklahoma, Tina Marvene Fritts of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and his ex-wife, Rinita Marlene Fritts of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. James was also blessed with five grandchildren, Ruby, Rose, Bentley, Jacob, and Anastasya, as well as nine nieces and one nephew. Rest in peace, James. Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched.

A funeral for James will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 West Delaware Street, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.