James Charles Axtell

James C. “Jim” Axtell, 89, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2:00pm at Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery in Stillwater. Dighton Marler Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Jim was born to Charles W. and Gladys (Hutchinson) Axtell on November 8, 1934, in Lafontaine, Kansas. The family moved to Ripley, Oklahoma, where he attended school, obtaining his GED later. He joined the United States Army in 1957, serving two years of active duty, a portion of that time was spent in Germany. He then served two years in the Army Reserves followed by two years on standby.

In 1960, not long after returning to the states, he met Vesta McLemore while they were on a double date… not with each other but ending up with Vesta by the end of the evening. He soon called her to ask for a real date and they married on May 5, 1961. They purchased some acreage north of Ripley, and lived there until moving to Chandler, Arizona, where he worked for a mobile home manufacturer. They soon realized they didn’t want to raise their sons in the city, so they returned to the Ripley area after two years and remained there until his death.

Jim’s employment included working as a derrick man drilling oil wells. He also worked for Wheatley Dozer Service and later for Payne County as a heavy equipment operator and truck mechanic, retiring in 1998. He was well known as the community barber and mechanic for area friends and neighbors. He also greatly enjoyed gardening and caring for his fruit trees. His church affiliation was with Mehan Union Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Vesta, his sons James D., and Steve Axtell and his wife Carla, his grandchildren, Michael Axtell and wife Brianna, Christa Axtell Montgomery and husband Mitchell, Caleb Axtell and wife Sara, and Nina Axtell Herndon and husband Andrew, as well as six great grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.

“Though absent in the body, I’m present with the Lord. I took a trip on that Gospel Ship. I’m glad I came aboard. If you could see me now and know the things I know, your tears would turn to laughter, our joy would overflow.”