James Mcillwain

James Theodore McIllwain, 97-year-old Grove resident, passed away March 22, 2022.  James was born in Memphis, TN on January 20, 1925, to Troy and Dora (Wood) McIllwain.  He proudly served in the Army from 1949-1954 and the Army Reserves from 1954-1958.  He then worked for Layman and Roberts Construction Company for 38 years, retiring as the office manager. His biggest life passion was golfing, he and his three brothers would golf four days a week if they got the chance and every weekend he could spare.  He also enjoyed watching sports on TV, football, baseball, golf, and basketball but especially the Tennessee Volunteers and the Boston Red Sox.   James was a great man with a good heart, who no matter the circumstance stayed calm and mellow. He was a true southern gentleman; he had a long, wonderful life that he chose for himself.

James is survived by his three nieces; Gail Callison and husband Kenny, Debbie Webb and husband Mark, and Robin Laird, his three nephews; Rick McIllwain, Mark McIllwain and Michael McIllwain, great niece Nicole Mark, and great nephews; Ryan Bloesch and James Mark.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at the Worley Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, Oklahoma