James Richard Jarman

Funeral services for James Richard “Jimbo” Jarman, 59, of Owasso, OK, were held Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church in Sperry, OK. Pastor Zach Klassen, Joe Wayne Armbrister, and Victoria Lee officiated, and burial was in Oakhaven Memorial Gardens in Claremore, OK. Casket bearers were Ben Jarman, Taylor Jarman, Connor Pace, Talen Beaver, Blake Beaver, and Derek Woodson. Honorary Casket bearers were Robert Harper, Tim Harper, Eric Jochmans, Billy Barger, and Carson Goodwin.

Jimbo was born in Claremore, OK on July 14, 1963, to Teddy Lee Jarman, Sr., and Ada Elerie (Armbrister) Jarman. He passed away on February 1, 2023, in Tulsa, OK.

Jimbo was a very special gentleman, whom everyone loved dearly. He was well known in the Claremore - Sequoyah community we grew up in. He loved to ride horses and loved all things outdoors. But his ultimate favorite thing to do was riding motorcycles, and 3 & 4 wheelers, from a very young age. He rode millions of miles up and down our neighborhood roads. Everyone looked out for him, and he was so loved. Jimbo was born with intellectual disabilities and never learned to read or write. But he didn’t let that stop him from being a mechanical genius. He enjoyed working and repairing small engines, such as, lawnmowers, tractors, weed eaters, and even motorcycles. Many times, people would bring him things no one was able to fix but he would be able to get the job done! For years, Jimbo attended and worked at Claremore Work Training Center. He built waterbed frames, crushed boxes, worked at recycling centers, and packaged small parts. He was a very hard worker. Jimbo grew up attending Sequoyah Full Gospel Church, built by his grandfather, Otis Turner. Jimbo loved the Lord with all his heart and lived out his days as a spirit-filled Christian. The last week he spent in the hospital his nurse, Lauren, shared that she was in his room tending to him where praise and worship music played 24 hours a day and she would sing along with him. As sick and weak as he was, Lauren said he raised his hands to praise our heavenly Father. She asked him if he was okay to which he replied, “I am now!” To know Jimbo was to love him and to be loved by him. He especially loved babies. He was a baby magnet! Jimbo was a wonderful brother, cousin, uncle and even great uncle, and friend to many. So many nurses and medical personnel fell in love with Jimmy. As Jimbo’s health declined so many of them were brought to tears and heartbroken because he brought so much joy to them, as he did everyone that knew him. Jimbo was quite the character and loved to joke around! Jimbo will be extremely missed. In 1986, he met Leanna Denton at the Claremore Work Training Center. They fell in love and got married on February 14, 1987. Jimmy and Leanna were happily married for 14 years. But Leanna’s mental health greatly declined so they had to ultimately divorce so she could get the proper help. After the passing of our beloved parents, his niece, Tiffany Goodwin and her family, moved into our family home where they cared for Jimmy for several years. We then made the decision to move Jimbo into a group home so he could have a job, attend activities, and relationship with his peers. He lived at Home of Hope in Vinita, OK for approximately 14 years where he worked and had countless friendships and a girlfriend. When Jimmy’s health started to decline, we wanted him closer, so we moved him to Owasso, OK to the Highlands Nursing Home. He was so happy to be closer to both of his “sissy’s!” That is what he would call us. During the short time he lived there, he was so happy. He absolutely loved it! We referred to it as his own Castle because of the architecture and they truly treated him like Royalty there. He was smitten with being so close to all of his dear family. He enjoyed greatly being able to see his sissy’s, nieces, and nephews, and even some great nieces and nephews. Jimmy was extremely adored. His favorite treats were a good ol’ Mt. Dew, a peach tea, egg rolls, and a 3 musketeers candy bar. One of Jimmy’s favorite things was his cell phone. He would play music all the time and call his sissy’s numerous times throughout the day. His favorite word was “sissy” as he would say it a million times throughout our daily conversations. As much it was frustrating some days, we are already missing his calls and voice.  In his last days, Jimbo spent 38 days and 17 hours at OSU Medical Center/Select Specialty Hospital and had numerous surgical procedures, but his body was tired, and he began to decline quickly. We then moved him to Clarehouse in Tulsa, OK for his final days with us. He was so sweet and joyful to the very end.

He is survived by his sisters, Deborah Woodard and husband, James and Dalene Cantrell and husband, David; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Teddy Lee Jarman, Sr., and Ada Jarman; and brother, Teddy Lee Jarman, Jr.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.