James Ridley “Jim” Lonsdale was born to Walter Hiram “Slim” and Sylvia (Thironet) Lonsdale Dec. 18, 1938, in McGregor, Colo. He died in Henryetta Feb. 12, 2022, at the age of 83.
Jim grew up in Colton and Pleasant Valley graduating from Schulter High School in 1956. He was a member of the Schulter Baptist Church and held many careers over his life. Besides being a jack-of-all-trades, he worked in the pipeline industry taking him all across America. However, the majority of his life was spent working in the newspaper and newspaper printing industry in California, Henryetta, Pryor, Okmulgee, Tecumseh, Checotah, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
After a 23-year courtship, Jim married Linda Kaye (Meadors) July 4, 2021, at First Freewill Baptist Church in Henryetta.
He joined the Fraternal Brotherhood of Mason in 1966 and is a member of the Eastern Star. Initiated an Entered Apprentice May 10, 1966. Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft June 9, 1966, Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason July 17, 1966, Became a Master of the Royal Secret of the 32 degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Nov. 5, 1983, In the Valley of McAlester Orient of Oklahoma
All degrees were received in Tulledega Lodge No. 201, Henryetta. He received his 50 Year Service Award Jan. 13. 2017
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Wally, Gene, and Benny Lonsdale; a sister, Veda Fronabarger.
Survivors include his wife Linda Lonsdale, of the home; three sons: Ben Lonsdale and Jeanna Price of Tulsa,, Jimmie and wife Heather Lonsdale of Moore, and Mike and wife Michelle Lonsdale of Claremore; two bonus children: Mike and wife Stephanie Sains of Shawnee and Tammy and husband Jason Merritt of McKinney, Tex.; seven grandchildren: Michael Phillip, Caleb, Brittney, Justin, Shelby, Miranda, Emma, and Michala Lonsdale; nine bonus grandchildren: Clay and Ashley Sains, Mika and Quentin Wireman, Laura Castillo, Timmy, and Lexi Sains, Megan Merritt, Abbey Merritt; two great-grandsons; a bonus great-granddaughter along with nieces, nephews, many friends.
Pallbearers: Benny Lonsdale, Jimmy Lonsdale, Mike Lonsdale, Vernon VanMeter, Mike Sains, Clay Sains, Jason Merritt, and Kelly Hawkins
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s name to the Schulter Alumni Association or Fraternal Brotherhood of Mason's scholarship fund.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022 at the Nazarene Church with Rev. Terry Cosey and Rev. Tim Cole, officiating. Interment will be at the Westlawn Cemetery under the direction of the Rogers Funeral Home.
Family will be receiving friends at the Funeral Home, Tuesday Evening from 6 to 8 p.m.