James Cathey

James Albert Cathey, 94, of Skiatook, passed from this life on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home with his family by his side. James was born on September 13, 1930, at Gypsy, OK in rural Creek County to Edd and Martha Ellen (Chandler) Cathey. He was raised and received his education in Creek County, graduating from Shamrock High School. James enlisted in the US Navy on March 29, 1951 in Oklahoma City, OK and was honorably discharged on March 28, 1955 in Long Beach, CA. He served on the USS Helena during the Korean Conflict, receiving the Korean Presidential Citation, National Defense Service Medal, the China Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. Following his release from the Navy, he returned to the Tulsa - Sapulpa area where he was united in marriage to Virginia Louise Ray on May 28, 1955. They made their home in west Tulsa where he first worked for a paint company before obtaining employment with Oklahoma Natural Gas, from which he retired. In the late 1980', they moved to rural Skiatook.

James was a songwriter, writing many country songs and playing a variety of instruments including the piano, guitar, banjo, steel guitar, fiddle and harmonica. He was a lover of country and bluegrass music, he especially enjoyed Bob Wills, Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash. He once attended the Grand Old Opry and got to stand on stage. James was a man of faith, he and Virginia attended Rejoice Free Will Baptist in Owasso for many years. He had a quiet strength and was a loyal person. Those that survive and hold many cherished memories are his wife of nearly 70 years, Virginia; their children - James Michael Cathey and wife Patricia of Tulsa, Karen Cathey Mosshammer and husband James of Oklahoma City, Sherri Cathey Ledbetter and husband Tom of Coweta; a sister Betty Cathey and brother Fred Cathey; as well as two grandchildren Dorian and Jasmine Cathey. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Frances Cathey Laird, and two brothers Wilford and Lawrence Cathey. Graveside services for James will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the AJ Powell Memorial Cemetery, Hominy with Pastor Leonard Pirtle officiating. Arrangements and services are under the care of the Powell Funeral Home, Hominy, OK. www.powellfuneralservice.com