Daily Oklahoman, The 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
November 30, 2002, pg 17A
James Reed Acton passed away on November 26, 2002. Lovingly
known as Jim, he was born in Springfield, Missouri, on March 28,
1918. Jim spent his younger years playing professional baseball
as a catcher for the New York Yankee Farm Team.
In August 1944, Jim married Emily L. Byrd, formerly of Altus,
Oklahoma, with whom he had three children: Linda Loree, James
Reed Acton II. and Patricia Ann. During World War II, Jim served
in the U.S. Army Air Force as an athletic instructor to prepare
and physically condition future soldiers. Upon discharge, Jim
continued his career in baseball, both as a coach and player.
After leaving the Yankee Baseball Farm System in 1950 Jim moved
his family to Midwest City, Oklahoma, where all three children
graduated from high school. Here be became involved in and made
many friends in the oil field industry. He was owner/ operator
of Ramco Industries. Jim was a dedicated father and husband who
will be missed very much by family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his son.
He is survived, by his wife and two daughters, two
grandchildren, Tracy and Chris, his sister Wilma of Eufaula,
Oklahoma, and numerous other relatives.
Services to celebrate his life will be held 11:30 a.m. at
Paylor Funeral home in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Interment to
follow at Arlington
Memory Gardens.
The Oklahoman
August 22, 1994; Page: 64
Acton
Jim and Emily met in the summer of 1944, while Jim
was in Wichita as a player-manager for the Kearns
Eagles from the Overseas Replacement Depot at Utah,
playing in a six-week national tournament. Emily was
working as a secretary for the Army Air Forces
offices. Every day the girls from her office would
go to the Broadview Hotel coffee shop for their
break. The ball players stayed at this hotel during
the tournament. According to Emily, an older
salesman who frequently stayed at the hotel and knew
almost everybody fold Jim there was a "real cute
girl" he wanted him to meet. He introduced them and
they were married four weeks later. It was a brief
courtship that led to many years of love.
Jim and Emily Acton of Oklahoma City. Married: Aug.
23, 1944, in Wichita, Kan. Celebrated: With a
reception at Desert Oaks Supper Club. Children: Jim
and Judy Acton, Midwest City; Linda Welch. Houston;
Patti Acton, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and two
grandchildren. Occupations: Jim, oil field supply
business; and Emily, civil service.
The Oklahoman
March 03, 2004, pg 10A
ACTON,
Emily Lou, 80, died Sunday. Graveside services 1:30
pm Thursday, Arlington Memory Gardens
(Smith & Kernke, NW 23). (Bill Eisenhour Northeast).
