Jimmie Floyd Pulliam, a longtime resident of Dewar, passed away Saturday, February 11th, 2017 in Tulsa at the age of 72 years, 3 months, and 14 days.
He was born October 28, 1944, in Dewar, Oklahoma. His parents were Cecil and Thelma (Smith) Pulliam.
Jim graduated from Dewar High School in May of 1962. He then continued his education at East Central University in Ada, and later obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Tulsa. He was a charter member of Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Chi Chapter, served on the executive committee of Alpha Chi, was a member of Phi Kappa Delta, Alpha Honors Society, and MENSA.
He married Linda Kay Griffin on May 11, 1967 in Oklahoma City and they were together for 45 years until Linda’s passing on February 26, 2008.
Jimmie was a faithful member of the Dewar United Pentecostal Church all his life. He and Linda played the organ and piano for many years in the church services as well as many other events. They also provided music and recorded albums for the Hayhursts.
Jimmie worked as an English and Humanities professor at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma, and Northeastern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, until his retirement and made many life-long friends there. He began taking students and teachers on international trips in the 70’s and 80’s and continued for three more decades, leading Globus tour groups abroad, with his latest trip being just four months ago.
Many times Jim and Linda opened their hearts and homes to college students who may have needed their assistance, and those students remain their friends today.
Jimmie served on several boards and committees until his death. He was President of Dewar School Foundation that has awarded and continues to award many grants to Dewar School educators.
Jim was an avid collector of antiques and artwork and enjoyed sharing them with his relatives and friends. Over the years, Jim and Linda welcomed hundreds of people into their beautiful home for Christmas celebrations, trip members’ pictures parties, and many other occasions.
Jim was knowledgeable in many areas, rarely met a stranger, and was a great conversationalist.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Linda; parents, Cecil and Thelma Pulliam; two brothers, Richard Pulliam and wife Ann, James Pulliam and wife Guandina; niece, Louise Pulliam, and great-nephew, Michael Pulliam.
He is survived by nephews Richard Wayne Pulliam of Henryetta; Larry Pulliam and wife Carol of Springer; Robert Pulliam and wife Twana of Prairieville, Louisiana; niece, Debby Brice and husband Skip of Kiefer; and also by his great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces one great-great nephew and a great number of friends. He is survived also by his dear friend, Joy Cook, as well as his beloved church family.
Viewing will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta with family present to greet friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at the Dewar United Pentecostal Church with Rev. Matthew Martin, Rev. Gregg Joki and Rev. Rick Fuller officiating. Interment will follow in Westlawn Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.