James Nusz

James “Jim” Doyle Nusz was born the seventh, and last, child of Carl and Eva (Rusch) Nusz on the family farm southeast of Okeene on January 20, 1941. He departed this life peacefully at the age of 83 on December 29, 2024 at the Okeene Municipal Hospital.

The family will gather for visitation at Wilkinson’s Mortuary (Okeene) on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 from 3-6 pm. Services will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 10 am at the First Christian Church of Okeene.

As a small child, “Sonny” was spoiled by his much older siblings. He loved to shoot marbles, play outside with homemade farm toys, fish in the creek, ride bikes and had a favorite play gun including a leather holster he crafted himself at a young age. Jim's faith journey began at an early age when he was confirmed into the Christian faith on April 3, 1955, at St. John's Evangelical & Reformed Church in Okeene. His strong faith would guide him throughout his life and was a foundation of his character. He often followed in the footsteps of his older brothers and sisters, learning from them and honing his skills, especially in mechanics - a talent that would serve him throughout his life. He attended Okeene Public Schools where he participated in FFA, played baseball and was in the band. While he attended school he worked at Ted Benefield Ford as a mechanic. He graduated from Okeene Public Schools with the class of 1959.

On August 5, 1960, he married Twilla Dawn Crawford of Ames, Oklahoma. Their union was one of deep love and commitment, lasting over 64 years. Jim and Twilla were blessed with two daughters, Sabrina Doyleen and Felicia Dawn. Jim embraced being the dad of daughters. He spent countless hours playing driveway basketball and softball as well as camping and fishing. He reveled in all the joys of fatherhood, from the simplest everyday moments to the greatest milestones of their lives. The Nusz family spent many summer vacations exploring the mountains of Colorado or relaxing on the beach. He led by example and made sure they knew the value of a hard day’s work. It was of utmost importance to Jim that his daughters stand on their own two feet. Both of his girls had successful lawn mowing businesses in the summer, bussed tables at local restaurants and could change their own oil. Most importantly they had to master the ability to drive a “stick”. He loved to brag on his girls and was eager to return home to be their protector. His life was dedicated to their happiness.

In March of 1961, he left Benefield Ford and became assistant manager of Davidson and Case Lumber Company in Okeene. In March of 1963, Uncle Sam called and he joined the Oklahoma 45th Division of the National Guard spending six months of active duty at Fort Polk, LA and six years in the reserves escalating to the rank of Staff Sergeant.   In 1967, he was transferred to Davidson and Case in Canton, Oklahoma. In 1970 he transferred back to the Okeene Davidson and Case and was promoted to Manager in 1976, remaining until 1979 when the yard closed. He was hired at Boise Cascade Building Material Center, in Watonga as purchasing agent the same year, and was soon promoted to Retail Store Manager, dedicating 23 years in the retail lumber business. In 1985, he began a career at United States Gypsum in Southard, OK where he served as Shift Forman until retirement in 2004.

Jim loved and served his community. He was a volunteer fireman for over 20 years. He started his career in Canton, Oklahoma before transferring to the Okeene Fire Department. During his tenure in Okeene, he was promoted to Fire Chief where he served for 10 years.  In 1966-67, he served as the 27th Chief Rattler of the Okeene Jaycees, which sponsored the Okeene Rattlesnake hunt. He also served as part of the football chain gang, as the Whippet Booster President as well as Elder of First Christian Church and various positions on the FCC board. Jim was an avid college football fan and loved to cheer on his Oklahoma Sooners.

Although Jim lived most of his life in the Okeene community, his later years were devoted to his love for grandkids. He became an avid supporter of the Cashion Wildcats and Kingfisher Yellowjackets rarely missing a sporting event. Later, when the Grandkids became college students, he cheered on the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Arkansas Tech Wonderboys and the Emporia State Hornets following Logan, Ty and Landon’s football careers. He was also very proud of Nolan for obtaining his Master’s Degree in Geology and Madison’s educational success from Ivy League institution University of Pennsylvania.

You were a wonderful Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. Thank you for loving and understanding, for guiding and caring, and, mostly, for just being you—the best Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa.

Jim is survived by his wife Twilla of the home, daughters Sabrina Nault (Francis) of Kingfisher, OK, Felicia Reasnor (Ken), Arcadia, OK, Grandchildren, Logan Wayne Nault (Nicole) and Great-Granddaughter Collins Grace, Yukon, OK, Ty Doyle Reasnor (Kelley) Great Grandson Creede James, Temple, TX, Landon James Nault (Ericka), Great Grandson Easton James, Great Granddaughter Emery Sue, Enid, OK, and Madison Paron (James) Great Grandson Thomas James, Philadelphia, PA. Proceeding him in death are his Grandson, Nolan Wayne Reasnor, parents, Carl and Eva Nusz, siblings Edna Schnell (Albert), Raymond Nusz (Viola), Alice Irion (Harron), Roy Nusz (Lilly), Lena Osmus (Leonard), O’Linda McBride (Jim), in-laws Lester Thomas and Earnestine Lorraine (Shook) Crawford and several cherished nieces and nephews.

In leu of flowers please donate to the Okeene Fire Department in care of Wilkinson’s Mortuary.