Jim Earp

(From Lawson's Funeral Home)

Jimmy Ray “Jim” Earp entered eternal life on September 4, 2024. Jim was born on August 16, 1950 in Southwest City, Missouri to James Norton Earp and Bennie L. Earp.

Regardless of titles or duties, Jim’s strong roots from his raising at Oakhill-Piney laid the foundation for his belief in treating others with dignity and working hard. He had a gift of helping and loving people from all walks of life, and it was through that his legacy was built. 

In his youth, though mischievous, he loved growing up in a tight-knit family being especially close with his siblings, Linda and Gary, who he devoted much time to keeping out of trouble. Jim graduated from Jay High School in 1968. He was a natural athlete; he shot many baskets from what was later deemed the three-point zone on the basketball team, played football, and even baseball at Maysville. He also was the FFA chapter president. He attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College as a member of the livestock judging team and earned an associate’s degree in criminal law. He then enlisted in the United States Army. 

In 1973, Jim married Janie Glenn, from this union came their three children, Jamie, Jud and Jana Jay. 

Early on, Jim did everything from running a commercial painting business, to traveling around as a salesman. He never missed one of his sons’ games and even coached his boys' little league football and basketball teams. 

Jim had a keen eye for diversified business, and unsurprisingly led his family to embark on many business endeavors. In the early 1970’s, they ran Earp’s Feed Store out of a rock building on main street in Jay. The building later transitioned to a rope factory, and Mistletoe Express shipping. Next, he founded Oakhill Enterprises, selling all-purpose cleaners claiming it could “wash your hog and your dog”, and later they opened an arcade. In 1982, he and Janie established Jay Floral and later Grove Floral. During the summer, Jim ran a fireworks business, just like his sister Linda. 

Jim continued his education at Northeastern State University taking advanced criminal law courses and completed CLEET. He worked as a lake patrolman for the City of Tulsa, and deputy under Bob Hughes. Jim was proudly elected as the Delaware County Sheriff in 1988. He served until 2000 and remains as the longest serving consecutive Sheriff in Delaware County. Thanks to the help of his under-sheriff, Kent Vice, and numerous deputies, he was able to truly serve others; from solving cases and establishing county programs, to being instrumental in the construction of the new jail. He was passionate about his job, and constantly on the go! Until Sunday, when he would slow down for coffee and the newspaper. After an incident while on duty, Jim chose to retire due to health reasons. I

n 2007, Jim married Betty Downing to which he added a son Doodle Christian and wife Samantha whom he loved dearly. Jim and Betty loved owning and operating numerous rent houses, running cows together, and going back and forth from “the creek” to “the town house”. Jim was an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball fan and enjoyed a good western. He had a knack for trading, whether it be cows and vehicles, or property and all the in between, he would buy and could sell just about anything. Jim was a sharp, get-it-done kind of guy! He had an unparalleled love for his hometown of Jay and Delaware County and many accomplishments, but most of all he was devoted to his family who he instilled values in by the way he chose to live his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Norton Earp and Bennie L. Earp, brother Gary Norton Earp, and sister Linda Cox.

Jim is survived by his wife Betty Earp, his children Jamie Earp and wife Treasa, Jud Earp and wife Julie, and Jana Jay Haynes and husband Matt, and stepson Doodle Christian and wife Samantha; his grandchildren, Parker Warner and wife Brogan, Jenny Jo Kijac and husband Tyler, Mattie Lynn Haynes, Tucker Earp, Jayma Earp, Kayla Christian, Jace Earp, and Warren Christian; his great-grandchildren, Olivia Warner, Truce Kijac, and Case Warner. He was surrounded by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family who he also loved greatly. As Jim would say, “Oh, I’m just ripping the roads!” Despite being sorely missed, we are confident Jim is “ripping the golden roads of heaven”, waving at all his friends and loved ones, and rejoicing with his Lord and Savior!

Jim’s Celebration of Life Family Visitation to greet friends will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm at Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Chapel, 311 W. Gray St. Jay, OK 74346.

 

Jim’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, 2:00pm, September 10, 2024 at Mount Hermon Church, 42040 S. 670 Rd, Jay, OK 74346 with Pastor Jeremy Colvard and Pastor James Bryant officiating. Followed by Jim’s burial at Mount Hermon Cemetery, Jay, OK.

Jim’s burial will be at Mount Hermon Cemetery, Jay, OK with Full Military Honors by the Grove Veteran’s Ritual Team of Grove, OK.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W Gray St, Jay, OK 74346 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.