Jim Standard

Jim Standard was born February 2, 1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas to John Pierce Standard and Ota C. Saye Standard. From an Eagle Scout even though he didn't like camping. He excelled in his academic endeavors and was a choirboy at the First Baptist Church in Little Rock. At the age of five, he proposed to his eighteen year old cousin Bobby Jean. He and his grandmother started attending many revivals. At the age of fourteen, he felt that he was called to preach. Sadly, his plans for marrying Bobby Jean didn't work out; however, when the time was right he did become a Pastor. While he was still in high school he began working for the Arkansas Gazette as copy boy and soon moved up to cub reporter. It was a lifetime trait of Jim's to address social injustice. For example, he saw the need for integration at his high school in Little Rock, and addressed this issue as a reporter for the Arkansas Gazette. Jim continued to work as a journalist while he attended the University of Arkansas under the condition that he take no journalism courses. His boss felt that he had a natural talent that should not be interfered with by formal classes. The beginning of his second year in college he signed up for a journalism course. He was immediately fired. Jim then got a job as a reporter for the Borger News Herald in Borger, Texas. Later, Jim accepted a job as an obituary writer at The Daily Oklahoman. Then he moved up the ranks to eventually become executive editor. He met and married Phyllis Wilson and adopted her two boys, Mitch and Kerby, and another son, Matt was born to them. After that marriage ended, Jim eventually met Jodie and they were married in 1990. He became a beloved stepfather to Jodie's three children, Suzanne, Fredrick and Christine. After retiring from the newspaper, Jim and Jodie moved to Rome, Italy, where they became active in the International Baptist Church. Again, Jim felt strongly that he was being called to preach. He was ordained and then went on to pastor a church in Florence, Italy. When Jim and Jodie moved back to America, he pastored a church in Lampasas, Texas for several years. When he was called to preach at Atwood Baptist Church in Oklahoma, he found a hometown and the church of his heart. Jim often preached about grace and forgiveness. He loved to study the Bible, and Sunday after Sunday he brought fresh insights on scripture passages to his church members. He assisted Jodie in her work as a counselor by helping plan and present marriage seminars. Jim reached people's hearts and changed lives. He loved to work with people and had a way of bringing out the best in them. Jim's stories about his life experiences were humorous, entertaining, and he insisted that they were true. He enjoyed his role in journalizing the history of Oklahoma as it was made. He leaves friends all over the world and will be greatly missed by all. Jim was the proud grandfather of McKenzi Standard, twins Jesse Standard and Ali Standard, Jonathan Rust, Anna Christine Rust, and Lauren Rust. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandmother. He is survived by his wife, Jodie of the home, and his children and grandchildren, who will greatly miss him. Services will be held at Atwood Baptist Church in Atwood, Oklahoma at 10 AM on Saturday, the sixteenth of October. Reverend Tim Green will officiate. Burial will be at Atwood Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Jim's name be made to Atwood Baptist Church.