(From Parker Mortuary)James “Jim” C. Muskrat, 99, of Carthage, entered his heavenly home June 20, 2026.
Jim was born in Grove, OK, to Claude and Elva (Mouck) Muskrat on December 11, 1926. He graduated from Grove High School and entered the University of Oklahoma in 1943 at the age of 16. Near the end of WWII, he entered the United States Army and was stationed in Korea 1945-1947.
In Pineville, MO, on May 27, 1946, he married Lorene Harmon, and they were blessed with 55 years of marriage before her passing on October 16, 2001. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 1951 from the University of Oklahoma and began working for Joplin CPA Tom Cusack. After earning his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential in 1956, Jim spent four decades in public accounting, establishing the firms of Muskrat and Robertson CPAs, and subsequently, Muskrat, Pritchard, and Hull CPAs, where he was respected for his knowledge, steady work ethic, and commitment to doing things the right way. In retirement, he gave generously of his time as a volunteer for VITA, helping provide seniors tax assistance with patience and care.
Jim was a faithful member of Forest Park Church from 1951 until his passing. An important part of his life, he served his church family over the years in many roles: Sunday school teacher, deacon, treasurer, and trustee. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, a connection that remained meaningful to him throughout his life. He was an amateur radio operator, enjoyed classical music, travel, and flying small planes as a private pilot. Jim enjoyed playing pool, was an avid Wheel of Fortune fan, and frequently played hymns on the piano at the Carthage Senior Center. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and friends, and those moments were among the greatest joys of his life. Jim will be remembered as a kind, faith-filled, and selfless man whose life touched many people in lasting ways.
Jim was a faithful member of Forest Park Church from 1951 until his passing. An important part of his life, he served his church family over the years in many roles: Sunday school teacher, deacon, treasurer, and trustee. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, a connection that remained meaningful to him throughout his life. He was an amateur radio operator, enjoyed classical music, travel, and flying small planes as a private pilot. Jim enjoyed playing pool, was an avid Wheel of Fortune fan, and frequently played hymns on the piano at the Carthage Senior Center. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and friends, and those moments were among the greatest joys of his life. Jim will be remembered as a kind, faith-filled, and selfless man whose life touched many people in lasting ways.
In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by his four brothers: Tom Muskrat, Joe Muskrat, Jake Muskrat, and Sam Muskrat.
Jim is survived by his two children: Bruce Muskrat and wife, Nancy, of Fort Worth, TX, and Cendy Orr and husband, Taylor, of Carthage, MO; five grandchildren: Daniel Muskrat and wife, Sara, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Andy Muskrat and wife, Heather, of Waco, TX, Amy Bihl and husband, Danny, of McGregor, TX, Joshua Orr and wife, Shayleigh, of Miller, MO, and Nathan Orr, of Carthage, MO; eleven great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by his two sisters: Mary Smith, of Norman OK, and Ida Dunham, of Batavia, IL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park Church in Joplin, MO. Funeral services to follow at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor John Swadley officiating. Interment to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Missions ministry of Forest Park Church in Joplin.
Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.
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