James (Jim) Edward Sinclair
James (Jim) Edward Sinclair was born November 11, 1933, at Altona, in Kingfisher County, to Joseph Elmer and Hulda Norma Grabow Sinclair, and passed away April 28, 2024, at the age of 90.
Jim was a resident of the Watonga community for the majority of his life, where he graduated from Watonga High School in 1952. He worked at Roman Nose State Park for some time before starting with the Blaine County Sheriff’s office; he started out as a jailor and worked his way up to undersheriff. Later, he was elected as Blaine County Sheriff and served multiple terms.
Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was known around town for doing odd jobs, such as carpentry work, shingling roofs, and working cattle. He eventually became know across several states as the “Bear Man” for the chainsaw carved bears that he made. Many a front porch in Watonga sport a bear that was lovingly made by Jim. He married the love of his life, Naomi Mae Coody, at Clinton, Oklahoma, on May 20, 1961.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Naomi; one son, James Gregory; his parents, Joseph and Hulda Sinclair, as well as three brothers, Robert, Irvin, and Junior Sinclair.
He is survived by:
Two daughters………………. Deedra Bixler and husband Brad, of Watonga, OK.
…………………..………………. Becky Barrett and husband Tim of Broken Arrow, OK.
One sister……………………… Rosa Lee Sinclair of Watonga, OK.
Four grandchildren…………. Cody Long and wife Aubrey, of Cleburne, TX, J. Eric DeMoss and wife Holly, of Broken Arrow, OK, and Kara and Kaitlin Karns, both of Norman.
Four Step-grandchildren…. Chris Bixler of Okeene, OK, Eric Bixler of Yukon, OK, Emily Rodriguez of Denver, CO, and Elizabeth Barrett of Los Angeles, CA.
Six great grandchildren……. Ashlyn Long, Jackson Long, Davin DeMoss, Layla DeMoss, Elliott Newman, and Everett (E.J.) Newman.
Viewing for Jim will be held Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wilkinson Mortuary in Watonga.
Funeral services for Jim will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Watonga, with Pastors Dianna Matli and Dennis King officiating. The burial will follow directly at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, with Wilkinson Mortuary handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Watonga.
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