James Harvey Strain III

James Harvey Strain III, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, surrounded by family. A man of integrity, courage, and quiet strength, his life reflected steadfast devotion to family, service, and faith. He was 86.
Born in Los Angeles, California, to James Harvey Strain Jr. and Lorene Mae Fletcher, Jim's early years were marked by movement and meaning. Shortly before World War II, the family returned to Grady County, Oklahoma, where his father served as a Navy ensign. They eventually settled in Pocasset and Chickasha. Jim and his brother, Bill, spent their youth fishing along red-dirt streams, playing ball, and forging a bond of brotherhood that endured throughout their lives. A proud 1957 graduate of Chickasha High School, Jim carried the grit, humor, and humility of a "Fightin' Chick" with him always.
He attended the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, earning a degree in political science and economics. While at OSU, he met Audrey Ann Wiley, and together they raised four children-Kelle, Karla, Kayla, and Scott-building a family legacy of love that would grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In 1963, Jim joined the United States Air Force, serving as a B-52 navigator with the 43rd Strategic Wing during the Vietnam War. Over the course of nearly 250 combat missions and more than 3,000 flight hours, he guided his crews safely through perilous skies, charting their courses by the stars. For his service, he received the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.
Though humble about his service, Jim was a true patriot. His courage was perhaps most evident when he and his flight crew refused illegal bombing orders in Cambodia. Their stand led to the landmark case Holtzman v. Schlesinger, which helped establish the War Powers Act-an enduring contribution to American constitutional accountability.
After his military career, Jim found and fell in love with Newton County native Imogene Martin. Their nearly fifty years together were defined by mutual respect, faith, and enduring love. They made their home on a peaceful farm in Western Grove, Arkansas, where Jim began a second career as a special education teacher, devoting himself to students with learning differences-including his daughter, Karla. His patience, compassion, and belief in every child's potential left an indelible mark on generations.
At Western Grove High School, Jim founded the wrestling program, producing both champions and lifelong friendships. Later, at Omaha High School, he coached baseball and led the creation of the school's first baseball field-his own "Field of Dreams." Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Imogene; daughter, Karla Kristine Strain; and grandson, James William Strain.
He is survived by his children, Tony White (Debbie), Diana Cutbirth (Dwight), Kelle Stanley, Kayla Hale (John), and Scott Strain (Laura Lieber); by dear family friend, Mescal McCollum; and by ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
A man of deep Baha'i faith, Jim approached life and death with humility and hope. May his example inspire all to live with courage, serve with compassion, and look upward-toward the stars that once guided him and now hold him in eternal peace.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Western Grove Cemetery Chapel. Burial will be in the Western Grove Cemetery under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Western Grove Cemetery, Post Office Box 113, Western Grove, Arkansas 72685.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.