Jim Lane Phariss

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, family member, and friend Jim Lane Phariss passed from this world on July 8, 2023, at the age of 92.
Among Jim's greatest joys in life was his salvation in Jesus Christ and his daily witness of what it means to serve Jesus by serving others. His acts of love and service to his wife Carolyn during their 68 years of marriage are a model for all of us to follow. His heart of generosity, kindness, and dedication live on through his daughters Joyce Roberts and Judy Collins, son-in-law Scott Collins, and in his three granddaughters, Lynn Chen, Lyndsay Roper, and Claire Collins.
Jim's family was the center of his life because of his understanding of what it means to be a Christian husband and father. His extended family knows of Jim's love for each person as an brother, uncle and cousin.
His dedication to serving others through his church, his country, and his family are a legacy each of us is called to emulate in our own lives.
Jim was born May 28, 1931, at the family home near Apache, Okla., the fifth child of W.E. Phariss and Aldine Lane Phariss. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruby Weber and Neva Jackson and one brother, Harley Phariss. He is survived by his older brother Robert Phariss.
Jim attended Broxton High School in rural Caddo Country, where he graduated in 1949. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1952, where he earned the rank of sergeant, a field combat promotion because of his stellar service to the country during the Korea War as a solider in the 7th Infantry Division. His outstanding service was recognized in November 2021 when he was named the Canadian County Veteran of the Year.
Jim married Carolyn Andrews on March13, 1955. Their life together centered around Joyce and Judy and their activities at school and church. Summers were spent on the lake with dear lifelong friends camping and skiing. Jim loved fishing, playing golf and dominos. He spent 43 years as a meat cutter, serving in supermarkets around Oklahoma, including El Reno, where he retired. His customers were friends who always asked for Jim.
First Baptist Church of El Reno has been a primary focus of Jim's life for nearly 60 years. He served as a deacon of the church and along with Carolyn, led in the construction of the church's cabin at Falls Creek Baptist Assembly. He has also served on the pastor search committee, worked in Vacation Bible School, served at the Shepherd House, distributed Blessing Baskets to needy families during Christmas, and was part of a Monday men's prayer and breakfast group.
Along with his wife Carolyn and daughters Joyce and Judy, Jim is survived by his three granddaughters Lynn and her husband David Chen, Lyndsay and her husband Derek Roper, and Claire Collins. His four great granddaughters have provided untold joy for Jim in recent years. They are Olivia and Torrey Roper, and Carolyn Grace and Elizabeth Rose (Rosie) Chen. Jim is also survived by sisters-in-law Jean Mullican and Ruth Andrews, as well as several nieces and nephews, and a number of great nieces and great nephews and other family members.
A memorial service honoring Jim will be held Friday, July 14 at 10 a.m. in the worship center at First Baptist Church of El Reno.
Jim's recent heart's desire was to see a youth and activities building constructed at FBC El Reno. It was a project he talked about and prayed for. The family has requested memorials honoring Jim's life and his love for Christ be made to the Building Fund at FBC.