James Lee "Jim" Morton

James Lee "Jim" Morton, 78, of McAlester, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in McAlester.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.

A graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Bokchito Cemetery in Bokchito, Oklahoma. Honors will be rendered by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Honors Team.

James was born on April 3, 1947, in Durant, Oklahoma, to Joseph Clyde "J.C." and Thelma J. (Wells) Morton. He graduated from McAlester High School with the Class of 1965. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in political science from Central State University in Edmond graduating in 1970. During college, James worked as a dispatcher for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol-a role that laid the foundation for his future career in public service.

Following graduation, he served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1972. He returned to Oklahoma to continue his career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and was appointed Communications Director for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety in 1987.

James was passionate about the outdoors from a young age, especially fishing and hunting. A skilled angler, he achieved notable success by winning the Bassmaster Oklahoma Invitational at Grand Lake in 1992. He lived for many years in Edmond and Norman before retiring to Grand Lake, eventually returning to his hometown of McAlester.

In retirement, James worked with Nichols Marine, delivering boats to customers, and also served as a representative for Storm Baits and Lures. He was a longtime and active member of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Thelma Morton.

James is survived by his sisters, Clydell Vidmer and Georgia DeCaro; extended family members; and many dear friends, including Gary and Annette Nichols, Larry Bishop, and others who were close to him throughout his life.