James Sanders Sr., of Choctaw , went to be with our Lord on April 21, 2007, following an extensive battle with heart disease. James was born on April 23, 1933 in Bergman, AR to Stella Jane and Stephen Wallace Sanders.

James served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, when he met and married his first wife, Gerena Pearl Manning on June 17, 1954. God blessed their union with five sons. He was married to Gerena for 23 years before her passing in 1977. His growing family, love of outdoors, fishing and landscaping occupied his life to the fullest.

On February 14, 2002, James married his second love and best friend, Deloris June. Together they made a life of worshipping the Lord and enjoying each others company and their extensive blended families.

James is survived by his wife, June and mother-in-law, Faye Stephens, also of the home, who adored him dearly; five sons and their wives, Steven, Robert, Marcus, James Jr., and Alan; three stepsons, James, Allen and David Hopwood; twenty-five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; brothers, William "Doc" and Ernie Sanders; sisters Lena, Dovey and Jean; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Gerena; and sister, Ruby. James was well known and loved by all who knew him. He had a passion for life and worshipping the Lord. He loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at the First Baptist Church of Nicoma Park with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery , Choctaw , Oklahoma.

Compiled, transcribed and submitted by Marti Graham. January 2009. Information posted for educational purposes for viewers and researchers. The contributor is not related to nor researching any of the above.

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