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Upon graduation from college, he was employed as a 5th grade teacher for the Garland, Texas public schools for the 1962-63 school term. During his school age years and after teaching for Garland schools, Jim spent many years cooking the "world famous" Folger hamburgers at Folger's Drive-In of Ada, alongside his father, Garley (who began the restaurant in 1935), his brother Jerry, and eventually, his son, Tony. In his "spare time", he enjoyed a good game of chess as well as being an accomplished tennis player, playing competitively well into his 70's.
In January 1960 he married Alma "Jean" Byrd in Healdton, OK. She preceded him in death in April 1978. In 2005, he and Karen Downing were married. Family members left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen; son Tony Folger and wife Janessa, Byng; daughter Jeanette Vangundy and husband David, Ada; daughter Shannon Dykstra and husband Ted, Wichita, KS; stepson Jason Downing and wife, Stacie, Tacoma WA; and his brother, Jerry Folger, Ada. Additionally, several grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives survive him. He is predeceased by his father, Garley, and mother, Christine.
A funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Ada on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 10:00am, officiated by Harold Ware. A private family graveside service will be conducted at a later date. Pallbearers are David Vangundy, Ted Dykstra, Nathan Folger, Jason Downing, Bill Speed and Mark Hightower. The family will have visitation at Criswell Funeral Home on Friday, February 14 at 4:00-7:00pm.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of James "Jim" Folger, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
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815 E. Arlington, Ada, OK 74820
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