James Lee Atherton

James Lee Atherton, 48, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Bishop Chapel of Memories with Rev. Nolen Lake officiating.
Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Stone, Ryan Shumway, Ricky Turpin, Ray Turpin, Cody Degraffenreid, Josh Harrington, Larry Alexander, Anthony Salyers, Brian Echelle, Shawn Sisco, Alan Fagundez, Joe Santino and Kenny Leak.
James was born on November 1, 1977, in Dallas, Texas, to Walt and Anita (Bunch) Atherton. In his early twenties, he moved to Pittsburg County with nothing but a suitcase in hand, where he went on to make his home for the rest of his life.
At the age of seventeen, James began his career as an electrician. He went on to earn his journeyman license and worked for Stone Electric in McAlester for 25 years. Known for his skill and dedication, James could fix just about anything - from electrical work to building trucks from the ground up.
On April 7, 2001, James married the love of his life, Kris Sopavongse, in McAlester. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. James was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving Pops. He was not only a caretaker for his own family but also a father figure to many.
James loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed hosting bonfires, camping, riding side-by-sides, and duck hunting. His favorite place to unwind was at his cabin in Red Oak, where he spent countless hours with friends and family. Whether relaxing by the pool or surrounded by his beloved dogs, James was happiest when sharing good times with the people he loved. Always full of energy, he was never one to sit still for long.
He will be remembered for his hard work, generosity, and the endless love he gave to his family and friends.
James is survived by his wife, Kristina Atherton of the home; mother, Anita Duncan of Texas; daughters, Courtney Young of Tecumseh, Makenzie Atherton of Norman; granddaughters, Presley Billy and Chandler Billy of Tecumseh; siblings, Charity Garcia and husband, Shane, Chad Hennig, Robert Duncan and wife, Morgan, Telitha Hulsey and husband, Tony, Faith Hernandez and husband, Joe, Temperance Coughenour and husband, Cody, and Patience Stephens and husband, Chris all of Texas; sisters-in-law, Kesree Goodner and husband, Paul, of McAlester and Kyria McDaniel; brother-in-law; Johnny McDaniel; father-in-law, Eddie Sopavongse; mother-in-law, Linda Hopkins; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
James was preceded in death by his father, Walt Atherton; grandparents, Bob and Thelma Hudson; grandmother-in-law, Lillian Kreimeier; his dear best-friend, Bob Hawley.