Woodward, Okla. —
JAMES “Jim” WILLIAM HOLFORD
10/21/1938 – 11/29/2012
Jim was born to William “Bill” and Bertha Holford in Richmond, Oklahoma. Jim graduated from Sharon High School and immediately joined the U.S. Navy in 1956. For 22 years, Jim’s tour of duty took him around the world with extensive duty in the South Seas, including Viet Nam. He retired in 1978. Jim married Mary Hughes in 1962, having a son, William, and a daughter, Wendy. Another daughter, Tina, was a “failure to thrive” baby, living only 5 weeks. In 1978, Wendy and Mary were killed in a car/train accident. In 1979, Jim married Millie for only 2 years. After his divorce, Jim married Johna for 10 years before being divorced.
After service in the Navy, Jim worked at Brunswick Recreational Centers. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Oklahoma City University. Jim was very active in the Oklahoma-Mexico Partners of the Americas for many years as the secretary. Using his knowledge in business, Jim was instrumental in helping to start Cognitive Systems Inc. and worked as the secretary until cancer claimed his ability to function effectively. The cancer was due to his exposure to Agent Orange, the chemicals used to defoliate the Viet Nam jungles, which finally claimed his life. Jim died in the care of his sisters, Marie Hatfield, RN and Gail Love, LPN, in John and Marie Hatfield’s home where Jim lived and was cared for since 2005. John’s brother, Rev. Franklin T. Hatfield, moved to Oklahoma City area and helped with Jim’s care for the past 6+ months until Jim’s death.
Jim was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, Richard “Dick” Holford and Donnie Robert Holford, and his mother and father. Jim is survived by his son, William Holford (Fort Worth, Texas) and his sisters, Marie Hatfield (OKC) and Gail Love (Keokuk, Iowa) along with 7 nieces and nephews. Jim’s wishes are for donations to be sent to: BancFirst, Caring for American Heroes, P.O. Box 26788, Oklahoma City, OK 73126. Interment will be at will be at the Fort Sill National Cemetery among 1,000s of other veterans who have served their country.
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