James Pendergraft

Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Jay, Oklahoma 918-253-3222. James Ragen Pendergraft, 85 year old resident of Southwest City Missouri, passed away on March 8, 2017 in Joplin, Missouri. James was born on July 1, 1931 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. He was the son of Lemmie Earl and Vyra Geneva (Sturges) Pendergraft. James was the 1950 class president, graduating from high school in Madras Oregon. After graduation, James worked with his father and brother on one of the largest farm operations in Montrose/Delta Colorado. He would work in the off season in the oil fields and road construction. James proudly served in the United State Army from 53-56' as a paratrooper, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. James returned home and started working construction to finance college. He graduated from Northeast Oklahoma A&M in Miami, OK with an Associates degree. While at NEO, James was the vice president of the student body and was selected the outstanding student in the School of Agriculture. James then transferred to Oklahoma State University where he earned his Bachelors degree in Agronomy with a Business Minor. While at OSU, James was very involved with the Agronomy department, where he held several offices. After college, James owned and operated a construction company, where he contracted building earthen dams and clearing rights-of-ways. In 1964, James was employed by the State of Oklahoma as a social worker for Delaware County. He was later the Director of the Delaware County Community Action Agency. In the early 70's, James served as the community resource specialist serving four counties. In 1978 he obtained his real estate license and sold resort properties in both Oklahoma and Arkansas. In 1980, he returned to his love of construction, and was the Foreman for H.C. Price Construction Company and worked on the Alaskan Pipeline. James was also the Coordinator for the Housing Authority for Cherokee Nation. James and his brother Ron, coordinated the Annual Round Springs Park Blue Grass Festivals for several years. James was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Geneva Pendergraft, his sister Judy E. Hutchison, his brother Ronald S. Pendergraft, infant brother Lemmie David Pendergraft. He leaves behind his wife Judith Lee (Patton) Pendergraft of the home, his son James W. Pendergraft, his grandson James E. Pendergraft, his sister Sue (Lou) Mikkelsen, five nieces; Marcia Myers, Susan Vanasse, Cynthia Giuffria, Anna Wright and Genita Frazier, five nephews; Les Mikkelsen, James Mikkelsen, James E. Pendergraft, David W. Patton and Lee Jay Larmon. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., March 18, 2017 at Mose Ridge Cemetery in Topsy, Oklahoma. Family and friends can leave online condolences by viewing James' Book of Memories at www.honoringmemories.com. Services are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Jay, Oklahoma.

Service Details

Saturday, March 18th, 2017 2:00pm, Mose Ridge Cemetery

Interment Details

Mose Ridge Cemetery