James Ralph Albert

James Ralph Albert, 67, of Elk City, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, surrounded by family. Jimmy was born on March 23, 1957, in Elk City, OK to Ralph J. Albert and Frieda Maloof Albert.
Jimmy attended Elk City High School, where he graduated in 1975. He served as Key Club president during his senior year and led the club to win first place for the Texas/Oklahoma district. Jimmy attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, graduating with a bachelor's degree in management and a minor in marketing. Jimmy is a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Gamma Delta Chapter. He has cherished the lifelong relationships he developed during his time in Stillwater.
Jimmy returned to Elk City in 1979 to operate Albert Brothers Distributors, Inc., and Albert Brothers of Altus, Inc. He proudly served alongside his father and later his son. He sold Albert Brothers of Altus, Inc., an Anheuser-Busch distributor, in 2008. From there, he gained a passion for real estate, acquiring and developing a portfolio of real estate which is still operating today. Jimmy deeply loved and valued all his employees, appreciating their hard work and dedication throughout the years.
On May 5, 1984, Jimmy married Patricia F. Skaff, and they enjoyed a devoted and joyful partnership for nearly 41 years. Patty was the love of his life, and he treasured every moment they shared together raising two wonderful children, Andrew James Albert and Christina Ann Rapella. Jimmy was a deeply loving father who guided, supported, and celebrated his children through every milestone in their lives. Later he embraced his most cherished role as "Jidi" to his three beloved grandchildren. Watching them grow was his greatest pride and joy, and his legacy of kindness and devotion lives on through them.
Jimmy was engaged in his community and industry, serving on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma State Marketers Association, where he held the position of President for two years. He served on the Board of the Oklahoma Malt & Beverage Association, including a term as its President. He also served on the OSU Alumni Leadership Board and was a past president of the Beckham/Roger Mills/Dewey Counties OSU Alumni Chapter. Additionally, he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Elk City for many years and later took on the role of President of the Americana Investment Club.
Jimmy was a devoted member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Elk City, Oklahoma. He served his parish with dedication, participating in parish council, finance committee, and building committee. He was a member of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, served as an usher and served as Parish Council President working closely with many beloved parish priests over the years.
Jimmy's greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. He cherished fly fishing along the Rio Grande in Creede, Colorado, and fishing at Foss Lake. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed playing golf, racquetball, and ping pong with his children. He also treasured the simple moments, often relaxing with scotch and a cigar in the company of those he loved. He especially enjoyed traveling with family & friends but especially vacationing on the beaches of Negril, Jamaica.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, in Elk City, Oklahoma. Burial to immediately follow. Services have been entrusted to the care of Richard and Tammy Dugger and the staff of Martin-Dugger Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elk City, Oklahoma.
Cherishing his memory is his loving wife, Patricia Skaff Albert of Elk City, Oklahoma, son, Andrew James Albert and his wife Lindsey of Elk City, Oklahoma, daughter, Christina Ann Rapella and her husband Michael of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Sloane Elaine Rapella, Greyson James Rapella and Evelyn James Albert. Sister, Nancy Albert Kersey and her husband Jim of Edmond, Brother-In-Law, Dennis Fields of Oklahoma City, Sister-In-Law, Laurice Skaff Balian and her husband Fred of Altadena, California and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Frieda Albert, sister, Patricia Ann Fields and in-laws, John and Cynthia Skaff.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful caregivers, doctors, and the team at Traditions Health Hospice for the loving and compassionate care provided to Jimmy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Matthew Catholic Church Building Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in care of Martin-Dugger Funeral Home, P.O. Box 707, Elk City, Oklahoma 73648. Your generous support of these causes will honor his memory and continue his legacy of faith and compassion.
We invite you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or perhaps share a memory of Jimmy at www.martin-duggerfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to invite all that cannot attend to watch the service live on Martin-Dugger Funeral Home and Cremation Services website.