James Tarver was born in Murphy, Oklahoma on April 6, 1924 to Dora (Blaylock) and Eli Tarver.  He was the tenth child of twelve. All have preceded him in death, five brothers and six sisters.

James was a God-fearing man, and has been walking with the Lord ever since He saw his mother pray him back to life at the age of 6, when the doctor had given up on him. This has been his greatest testimony and he would always end it with "And I Don't Feel No Ways Tired!"

James was a caring person who loved his family and was instrumental in helping to raise so many of them.  Years ago his sister Ora's husband died and left her with four children.  He moved in with her to help raise her children.

He went to work at the Powder Plant in Pryor, Oklahoma. It was during this employment that Norman West (Vivian's brother) introduced James to Vivian and sparks began to fly. This encounter and those red high heel shoes motivated him to marry the love of his life Vivian West, and that love has remained for 67 years. From that marriage the tree began to produce much fruit (many offsprings)

After a few years James moved to Tulsa and was employed by Carnation Milk Company as a mechanic and later in the production department.  He retired after 27 years of service. Jim was a Jack of all trades, and a master of them all.

The Tarver household was a warm and friendly place because James and Vivian made everyone welcome.  James and Vivian opened their home to many friends and relatives to stay when they had nowhere to go.  All the grandkids love going to Grandma and Grandpa's house. "Jim" as he was affectionately called, was an amazingly gifted musician (self-taught). He loved to play the guitar, the fiddle and other instruments.   He also played for many different quartets, such as The Kings of Joy (Gospel) and the Roundup Boys (Country and Western) just to name a few.

On the evening of March 16, 2017, an angel brought James a message of serenity and peace.  He responded to the call and realized he had gone the last mile of the way (one of his favorite songs) along with "I Want To Be At The Meeting"

Among those who loved him and are left on this side of the gateway to cherish his memory. He leaves behind to carry on his legacy are his wife Vivian A. Tarver, and his children, Charles (JoAnn) Tarver (Xenia, Ohio), Pamela Ward (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Marcus (Ada) Tarver (Dallas, Texas), Gerry (Tamela) Tarver (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma), Adairia (Keith) Vinson (Allen, Texas), Amanda and Antonio Wells (Dallas, Texas). A host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those that are gone ahead are his two daughters Janet Tarver and Vanessa (Lucus) Thomas.