James "Jim" Short

James "Jim" Herman Short, Jr. was born on July 2, 1932, in Shamrock, Texas, to James "Herman" and Virgie Lee Short. He was the oldest of three boys. Because the family moved often in those early years, all 3 were born in different towns. The family finally settled in Oklahoma City.
Jim went to Bethany High School for his junior and senior years where he met the love of his life, Janet House. They married May 25, 1952. He worked for Bethany Humpty Dumpty grocery store during high school and then for Aero Commander at Wiley Post Airport until he was drafted into the United States Army in July, 1952. His call to duty took him and Janet to Fort Leonard Wood Army Base in Missouri, where he was stationed for the next two years.
Upon an honorable discharge from the Army, Jim and his bride moved to Bethany, Oklahoma, where they began raising their family. They welcomed two beautiful daughters, Sandra (Sandy) and Roxanne. Jim and Janet bought a small acreage on the edge of town on West Avenue (now Rockwell). They built their dream house and planted pecan trees in 1959, and they still live there to this day.
After moving to Bethany, Jim joined his father selling cookware. Shortly after that, he began a long career with the United States Postal Service, including Assistant Postmaster of the Bethany station. He retired as Supervisor at the Oklahoma City post office in 1989 at the age of 57.
Upon retirement, Jim and Janet bought a motor home. They spent many wonderful years traveling with family and friends, crossing the United States from coast to coast and even into Canada. They have many great memories from this season of their lives.
During the spring and summer months, you would find Jim doing one of the things he loved most, gardening. He was known in Bethany for his beautiful yard and big garden. He took pride and pleasure in growing some of the best tomatoes in town. He sold a lot of tomatoes and was always happy to share with his family and Sunday School class. Most of his family has grown to share his love of gardening.
Jim also loved his pecan trees, and with that came a great dislike for squirrels. Next to his great-grandkids coming to visit, he enjoyed the great-granddog, Coco. It gave him a joyful heart watching Coco chase the squirrels away.
Jim served his church, Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, as an usher for 47 years. Jim loved serving in the community; he served as the president of the Bethany Chamber of Commerce, president of Bethany Kiwanis, and President of the Bethany Public School Board of Education. He gladly did all he could to promote his community.
Jim's greatest joy in life was his family; from his wife of almost 72 years, to his kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren. He claimed 15 great-grandkids and 1 great-grand-goddaughter; his heart was truly full. Jim loved family gatherings and visits from all his kids.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Johnny Short and Jodie Short; and sister-in-law, Barbara Short. He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Sandy and partner Lynn, and daughter, Roxanne and husband Brad; three granddaughters, Amber Wilcox, Ashly Armstrong (Brett), and Amy Chamberlain (Chris); step-grandkids, Kristen Murdock (Dale), Dan Blystone (Erica), and Esther Smith; and great-grandkids, Aiden, Aaron, Axton, Allen, Carter, Colt, Aisly, Reagan, Savannah, Mackenzie, Ethan, Ella, Luke, Jared, and Emmalyn. Jim was a kind and gentle man. He loved his God, wife, family, and friends.
Viewing at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service will be Tuesday, 9am-8pm with family present from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 13, 2:00pm, at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene with interment in Bethany Cemetery.