Mr. Linton James was born October 31, 1923, in Queen City, TX to Joseph and Theodora James. Raised in Hugo, Oklahoma, Mr. James would join The United States Army upon graduating from college.

His military honors include: Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (awarded for bravery, exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity), National Defense Service Medal (awarded for honorable service during periods of war), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Presidential Unit Citation (awarded to units that demonstrated extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy), US Army Drill Sergeant Command Badge, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Foreign Services Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, European African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He serviced in World War II, The Korean War, and The Vietnam War. He received an honorable discharge after 34 Years of Service from 1943 to 1977 as a Master Sergeant.

Secularly and after discharge he served through The Fraternal Order of Free Masons and worked as a restaurant manager and in academics.

Values and Character

Linton James was driven by his faith. He was grounded, and true to who he was. He was a man of unwavering principle, discipline, and integrity. A military man in every sense, he believed deeply in prayer, structure, responsibility, and doing things the right way – with no shortcuts and no excuses. He carried himself with pride and purpose, never leaving home without looking like a gentleman and expecting the same standard of excellence from the world around him. He valued education as both a right and a responsibility, continuing his own learning throughout his life and instilling in his family the belief that knowledge and awareness was power and preparation was a non-negotiable. He loved God in an unwavering way and attributed all of his successes to Him. Linton was exceptionally intelligent, and deeply diligent. He was also loving, generous, and profoundly devoted to his wife and family. Linton was a provider, protector, and teacher. He led by example through consistency, sacrifice, and presence. He was known for his no-nonsense honesty and clear sense of right and wrong while heavily balanced by quiet kindness, forgiveness, and deep pride in those he loved. Linton was the heartstrings and backbone of his family, adored and valued by all who knew him personally. His family was his greatest joy and legacy. Our family will continue on, leading the family forward based on the love, loyalty, leadership, life skills, and values that he instilled in every one of us. Our family regularly says and all who knew him will agree, we have never known any one quite like him, he was one of a kind, broke the mold of men, exceeded all odds, and we are forever grateful that he was ours. At the Wonderful age of 102, Mr. Linton James transitioned to Eternal Rest on December 13, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His parents, three brothers, one sister and son Linton James, Jr. preceded him in death.

He is survived By: Spouse: Della Mae James (96), Daughter: Lyntonia Venessa Staton (67), Grandchildren: Della Nichole Brown (48), Katrina Lynette Canterbury (46), Tiffany Cherise Williams (42), and Tasha Miranda Jackson (36), as well as their husbands: Buddy Brown, Trevor Canterbury, and Christopher Williams, Great Grandchildren: Cherise Monyette Davis Flores (28), Marcus Jerrod James Leonard (22), Chloe Grace Venessa Allen (20), Christopher Anthony Williams Jr. (20), Trinity Sienna Brown (20), Alyssa Janelle Mayo (17), Caleb Anthony Williams (16), Michaela Alexandra Brown (16), Cameron Aiden Williams (14), and Caden Ace Williams (11), Great-Great Grandchildren: Nova Giavoni Dunn (4) and Jayce Flores Dunn (3)

Services will be Saturday January 3, 2026 at 11AM inside Biglow's All Faiths Chapel.

Interment will follow at Rose Lawn South Cemetery in Vian, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be Friday from 12PM - 6PM in Tulsa.

You May Order Floral Arrangements: Local Florist: Lakeland Florist: 918-687-7574