E. Dayle James OHP Baker 52 – Okmulgee County 10 has finished his watch.

E. Dayle James, of Okmulgee, was born in Muskogee on June 21, 1948, to Kenneth Edward James and Maxine (Elsey) James. He passed from this life on July 12, 2025, in Tulsa at the age of 77.

From his days as an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman to his leadership as Okmulgee County Sheriff, and later as a Board member of the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority, Dayle’s career was a testament to justice carried out with heart and compassion.

Dayle was never defined solely by his badge. Throughout his life he owned or coowned several businesses. A father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Whether working the land, sharing a

June 21, 1948 – July 12, 2025

laugh, hosting family events or offering helping hand, Dayle approached life with a full heart and a strong work ethic.

Dayle was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Maxine James of Okmulgee, wife Barbara (Jacobs) James, of the home, brother Kenneth (Sonny) James of Broken Arrow, sister Saundra Justice of Tulsa, and her husband Art, twin sister Gayle Womack and her husband John, both of Okmulgee, and one grandson.

He is survived by his sister Wanda Inman and husband SJ of Claremore, brother Max James and his wife Carol of Lynden, Wash., daughter Pamela Sutterfield of Okmulgee, son Benjamin James of Tulsa, son Brian James of Houston, Rhonda Young of Tulsa; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and a bounty of friends.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 In lieu of flowers, the family has asked if donations can be made to the Okmulgee Homeless Shelter at http://okmulgeehomelessshelter. org/. Services have been entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Friends and family may leave condolences and kind words of comfort at www.schaudtfuneralservice. com.