James Unger

April 6, 1953 - January 15, 2022

James Unger, 68, of Tahlequah Oklahoma, beloved husband, father, and grandfather’s spirit left his earthly body and entered the Kingdom of God to be received in the arms of his Lord and Savior, to begin his eternal life on January 15, 2022, with loved ones by his side. His work on Earth is over. James accepted the Lord as his personal savior in 1977 at the First Christian Church in Stilwell, Oklahoma. He was baptized shortly after. The remainder of his life was spent doing what he felt God expected of him. Born at home in Stilwell, Oklahoma on April 26, 1953, to John (Joe) and Lois Unger, James spent his early years in the Orange Groves of Ventura County California. He loved growing up there and told wonderful stories about his adventures. He returned to Stilwell in 1967 where he met the love of his life in his pink Thunderbird. James and Frances were married in 1970 and to this union their daughter Shelia was born. Although a devoted husband and father, his greatest joy were his grandchildren, Shelby and Seth, who named him Pa. He loved spending time with them throughout every stage of their lives and never missed the opportunity to be with them. Pa was instrumental in teaching them to make appropriate choices and gain life skills that they will use for the rest of their natural life. James worked diligently to provide for his family as a young man in different fields, until he discovered his professional passion as a successful investor and entrepreneur. James lived his life as the scriptures in Proverbs teaches, he believed in hard work and helping those trying to help themselves. Integrity was one of James’s greatest gifts. Honor, honesty, and dignity were three qualities he taught by living a life that displayed each one. During his life James contributed to his community in many different ways. He served for the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge, as Exalted Ruler and Trustee. He was a member in good standing of the Wagoner Elks Lodge, #2838. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Masonic Lodge, No. 10, The Bedouin Shriners, The Sons of the American Legion, and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #877. But, he considered his proudest community contribution, being able to offer a place in his home for a small church to hold services, until they could build. When not working, James enjoyed dancing, fishing for Salmon in Alaska, collecting and shooting firearms, watching a good western, and collecting all kinds of things. He liked to travel and enjoyed taking trips with loved ones to show them the places he loved. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 51 years, Frances. Daughter, Shelia Unger-Fritts of Tahlequah, grandson Seth Richard Fritts of Anthony, Kansas and granddaughter Shelby Rayann Fritts-Roberts and husband Tanner of Stillwater, Oklahoma, sisters-in-law Phyillis Kimble and Rick of Stilwell, Oklahoma, Kay Bolin, Judy Rich, and Sue Poor, and brother-in-law, Roy Brown. James is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Leroy, Earnest, and Clifford. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in James’s name to the Bedouin Shrine in Muskogee. Donations can be sent to: Bedouin Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, PO Box 1667, Muskogee, OK 74401.