James Raymond "Jim" Machell

Jim was born Nov. 12, 1952, in Evansville, Indiana, to James Raymond and Mary Emily (Howe) Machell. He died on May 1, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.

He attended Christ the King School and graduated from Bishop McGuinness High School in 1970.   He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Oklahoma City University, a Master of Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Oklahoma.  In his 47-year career as an educator he was a teacher at Ridgeview Elementary; a principal at Rosary Catholic School; assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Wyoming; and associate professor, professor, program coordinator and department chair at the University of Central Missouri with a joint appointment as a graduate faculty member at the University of Missouri, Columbia.  

In 2005, he returned to Oklahoma to become dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma, a post he held for 14 years. He rounded out his career as a full-time teaching professor before retiring as Professor and Dean Emeritus.

Jim’s humility and knack for uplifting others speaks volumes about his character.   By recognizing and empowering those around him, he not only cultivated a strong network but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.  His talent for building meaningful connections demonstrates the importance of empathy and genuine engagement in both personal and professional relationships.

Wherever they lived, he and Jonnie made family, friends, and church focal points. Their door was always open for fellowship, good food and drinks, laughs, and comfort. Through their multiple moves, they kept old friends and added new ones. 

After retiring, Jim enjoyed more time with his family, playing golf and guitar, cooking and traveling. Despite the recent diagnosis, Jim found solace in his faith, striving to make each remaining day meaningful and expressing gratitude for the life he lived.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jonnie (Fletcher); their two sons, Matthew (Jill) and James “Mark” (April); three grandchildren, Julianna, Jackson and James “Jay.” Other survivors include his sister Gayla Machell and husband Mark Taylor, brother-in-law Gary Fletcher (Carol), and sister-in-law Patricia Kline (Steve). 

Services for Jim will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with a reception immediately following in the parish hall.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials can be made to Rosary School at 1919 NW 18th OKC, OK 73106 or to the Dr. James Machell Leadership Scholarship (https://www.centralconnection.org/machell).