James Frederick Emery

James Frederick Emery obituary, McAlester, OK

James Frederick Emery

James Emery Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home - McAlester on Feb. 9, 2026.
James "Jim" F. Emery, 85, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026 in his hometown of McAlester, Oklahoma.

James F. Emery was born on June 11, 1940, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to C. F. and Jamie Emery. He was the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his parents, C. F. and Jamie Emery, and his three older sisters, Jeannine Acevedo, Jamie Melancon, and Wanda Magdalena, along with her husband, Phillip Magdalena.

Jim graduated from McAlester High School and later joined the National Guard. Following his service, he graduated from Tulsa Welding School. He then joined the Boiler Makers and continued on to become a pipe fitter, retiring after many years in the trade.

Jim had a lifelong interest in real estate and maintained his real estate brokerage license, which allowed him to pursue his passion for buying, renovating, and flipping homes. He found joy in fishing and had a sharp mind for investments and financial opportunities.

Jim is survived by his two daughters Lynette Spradling and Pamela Emery; his grandchildren Crystal and William Denham, Elizabeth and Travis Branscum, and Ashley Rhyne; and his many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home - McAlester

528 S. Third Street Third and Comanche, McAlester, OK 74501

Make a Donation
in James Emery's name

How to support James's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James Emery's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Emery's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?