James Richard Colpitt

James Richard Colpitt, 90, a Collinsville independent oil and gas producer, businessman and rancher, died Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at St. Simeon’s Episcopal Home in Tulsa. He was born on May 7, 1922 in Collinsville to Susan Cottom Colpitt and Chester Ray Colpitt. He graduated from Collinsville High School in 1940 and Kemper Military Academy, Booneville, MO in 1942. He then attended Oklahoma A&M College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was detached to the Fleet Marine Corps as a Pharmacists Mate, Third Class. He served in Guam, Saipan, and Okinawa.

He married Lela Mildred Denny, of Oologah in November of 1943. They were married 54 years before Mildred died in 1997. After World War II, he returned to Collinsville, where the couple established their home and he began ranching and working in the oil business with his father.

Colpitt was a loyal supporter of both Collinsville and Oologah and was honored by the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce for community service. He was also involved in many real estate developments in the surrounding communities. He especially wanted to help young people, and often provided anonymous donations of clothing and eye glasses. He was active in Kiwanis, a friend of both FFA and 4-H Clubs in Collinsville and the surrounding communities, and was a charter member of the Collinsville FFA Alumni Association. A founding member of the Collinsville Community Church, he later served with great pride as Chair of the Church Board numerous times. He was a member of the American Hereford Association, co-owner of the Double C Ranch, and a member of the IPAA.

Colpitt was an avid fisherman and bird hunter. As a youth, he enjoyed raising Poland China hogs and received national awards for showing his prize animals in Kansas City and Chicago. His nickname was “Hog” Colpitt.

Wrestling was also a favorite past time. During his wrestling career at Kemper, he was undefeated, winning championships in 12 tournaments. The 13th tournament was for the National Juco Championship where he had his first loss in the finals, making him the Reserve National Champion. He also played football for Collinsville High School and for Kemper Academy.

Survivors include one son, Jim and Barbara Colpitt, Collinsville; two daughters, Kay Limric, Collinsville; and Carolyn and Charles Stewart, Ramona; five grandchildren, Don and Janelle Colpitt; Laura and Henry Maul, all of Collinsville; Bob and Kelly Limric, Alaska; Cara and Trevor Gibson, Ramona; and Mary and Justin Dempsey, Collinsville; and five great grandchildren, Megan Colpitt, Michael and Chloe Maul, Caden Maul, Makayla Dempsey, all of Collinsville; McKenna Gibson, Ramona; Darcy and Bailey Limric, Alaska; sister-in-law, Maurine Parks; brother-in-law Dick Kolb;and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; his parents, Susan and Ray Colpitt; brothers, Chester and Harold (Pug) Colpitt; and sister, Helen Murphy.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Collinsville Community Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 182, Collinsville, OK 74021.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 1, 2013 at Collinsville Community Church with Rev. Rick Brinkley and Rev. Bill Haynes officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville. Services are under the direction of Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.