Mr. James Lee Pierce, in his 72nd year of life, joined his beloved wife, Norma in Heaven on Wednesday, October 14, 2020.

On January 19, 1948, James Lee Pierce was born to Willard and Eddie Mae Pierce in Okmulgee Oklahoma. He attended Dunbar Public Schools, where he showcased great entertaining ability, graduating with the class of 1966. Upon graduating, on August 22, he married his longtime best friend and classmate, Norma (Motte), for the FIRST TIME. After James's conversion to Catholicism, the couple RE-MARRIED to have their marriage blessed. Upon 50 years of marriage, the couple, who although had been married twice, realized they never had a wedding, so they decided to marry FOR THE THIRD TIME to commemorate their 50 ^th Anniversary with a big celebration. They shared 52 years of marriage at the time of Norma's passing in January 2018. James and Norma loved their two children, Judy and Boogie, and their only grandchild, Brenna, a special adopted son Clifton Poole, three adopted granddaughters, Scherryl Coulter, Quinta Willis, Hayley Tuggle, and many others who referred to James as being their "Poppie" also.

James worked many different jobs including Spraker Volks Wagon, Affiliated Foods and Kinder Furniture Manufacturing Co. until settling as a "Dorm Daddy" at OSU Technical School until his retirement. He attended Uganda Martyrs Catholic Church, where he was an active choir member and favored soloist, and an active member with the Uganda Martyrs Council No 55 Knights of Peter Claver, where he held many offices. You could even find James participating during any parish activities that Norma may have assigned to him. J

James's earlier years reflected enjoying a good time with family and friends. Listening to music and fishing were some of his favorite past times. He and his mother in law spent numerous hours on the banks together. His grilling/cooking skills were not too shabby either. His smoked beef brisket was one of the most well-known delicacies around town. And you were almost sure to laugh at least once in his presence with his timely sense of humor.

James is preceded in death by his beloved wife Norma, parents, Willard and Eddie Mae; sisters, Lessie Mae Johnson, Willie Mae Joyner and Alvah Lois Pierce; brothers, Williard "Bud" Pierce, Rodney R. Johnson, and other family and friends.

He is survived by daughter Judith Motte Johnson (James) and son Carlton Pierce, both of Okmulgee OK, granddaughter Brenna Pierce of Oklahoma City Oklahoma, three sisters, Mary Ann Jefferson (Robert) of Okmulgee OK, Angela McKnight (Kenneth), and Gina Brinkley of Tulsa OK;  five brothers, Walter Pierce of Oklahoma City OK, Jerry Pierce (Joyce) of Ft. Worth TX, Donald Johnson and Alfonso Pierce, both of Tulsa OK and Kenneth Pierce of Washington D.C.; sister in law Delores Bennett of San Francisco CA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of James Pierce will be held Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 12:00pm at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 515 S Morton Okmulgee OK 74447. Father Joshua E. Litwack will officiate. Please be advised: Masks are mandatory to attend service and will be provided. Safe Distancing will be encouraged.

Please join us via Zoom if you are unable to attend.

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