Billy Ray James

Billy Ray James Jr. was born on June 7th, 1962 in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, to Billy James Sr. and Mary Campbell. He attended Haileyville public school until the 10th grade when the family moved to Chelsea, Oklahoma. Billy graduated from Chelsea High School in 1980 as the starting kicker on the football team. In 1982, he married his high school sweetheart, Kim Kellehan. They built a life together in Oolagah, Oklahoma. Billy first worked for the Chelsea Police Department, then Rogers County Sheriff's Office for 5 years. In March 1990, he welcomed his first son, Joshua. Through his early working years, he owned a pole barn building business, then started, owned and operated a dump trucking company. Billy moved to Tiawah, where he welcomed his second child, Jessica, and his third child, Jordan. During his career, he worked as a senior driver for Storey Wrecker and Abertson Wrecker Service. Billy spent some time working for Rush Truck Center in west Tulsa. He later worked for Greenhill Construction and Sherwood Construction, helping maintain trucks and other machinery in the quarry. He finished his career as an equipment hauler for Warren Caterpillar.

In his early years he loved hunting and fishing with his dad, Bill, and brothers, Brad and Tary. When he wasn’t working you could find him in a tree stand or boat, or on a motorcycle, tearing down the highway. He loved everyone in his family, unconditionally. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren the most. During retirement, he parked his RV at Hawthorne Bluff on Oolagah Lake. He volunteered his days cleaning the campground and tending to the other campers.

Billy is preceded in death by Kim James, Billy Ray James Sr., grandparents Oscar and Mamie James, and Cecil and Annie Campbell.

 He is survived by his mother, Mary James of Hartshorne, his brother, Bradley James of Catoosa, his sister, Trish Newsom-James and wife Nicole Newsome-James of Claremore, his son Joshua and wife Kaylee James of Claremore, his son, Jordan James and future Mrs. Dezzarai James of Claremore, his aunt, Shirley Thompson and cousin Donald Lee Green of Hartshorne. His grandchildren, Aurora Hutchison, Ethan James, Gracie James, Emery Hutchison, and Ruby Hutchison. Billy has numerous aunts and cousins that remain with us, as well.