Jerry James

Jerry Louise (Smith) James, 82, of McAlester, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, in McAlester.

Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Bishop Chapel of Memories, officiated by Rev. Chip Lott. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Memorial Park Cemetery in McAlester.

Pallbearers will be Bryce Blankenship, Matt Thomas, Daniel Cooper, and Richie Cutrer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brodie Eddy, Landon Eddy and the staff of New Hope Living Center.

Jerry was born July 7, 1943, in Camp Atterbury, Indiana, to Forrest Pershing Smith and Margaret Joy (Hawkins) Smith. As the daughter of a military family, she moved often during her childhood and even spent time living in Germany. Eventually settling in McAlester, she graduated from McAlester High School before pursuing her calling in nursing. She later graduated from nursing school in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and proudly served as a Registered Nurse.

On March 14, 1964, Jerry married Donald R. "Jim" James in Fort Smith, Arkansas, beginning a marriage built on love and shared life together.

Jerry dedicated many years to caring for others through her work. She first worked at St. Mary's Hospital and in June of 1969 began her long career at McAlester Regional Hospital. She was especially known and remembered for her time working in the nursery, where she helped welcome countless newborns into the world with kindness and compassion.

She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church and always considered herself a Lutheran, even while attending Calvary Baptist Church in later years. Jerry found joy in many simple pleasures of life. She loved tending to her flower gardens, playing the piano, and traveling to new places. She was also a talented seamstress who often made beautiful clothing for herself and others, a skill that reflected both her creativity and care.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Margaret J. Smith; her husband, Donald R. "Jim" James; and her brother, Forrest Aaron Smith.

Jerry is survived by her daughters, Aliya James and Victoria Riddle; her beloved grandchildren, Journey, James "J.J.", Jacoby, Jaylee, and Amelia, who is expected soon; her nephew, Stephen Smith and wife Tammy; cousins Linda Cutrer, DeLoyce Patterson, and Krista Patterson; daughters of the heart, Melisza, Amberr, Stephny special friends Sue Miller and Minnie Crenshaw; along with many other family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her kindness, devotion to family, and years of caring for others will never be forgotten.