Judge James Peter Messler

Pete Messler, small in stature, larger than life, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 30, 2022 with his wife and daughter by his side. For 12 years and 25 surgeries, Pete fought a courageous battle with cancer with his wife Helen's loving support. He is now at peace and no longer in pain. We all will miss his positive attitude and unfailing strength to endure this lengthy illness after a successful double lung transplant in St. Louis, Mo. in 2008. Pete was a rare and unique man, always seeing the glass as half full, which helped him through his failing health. Born in Tulsa in 1940, Pete was a proud Tulsan, attending Catholic Schools in early years. An avid outdoorsman and wildlife conservationist, Pete loved life with many interests, including baseball, golf, ice hockey, hunting and fishing. He coached youth baseball and ice hockey plus had quite a pitching arm of his own. He was a very proud bat boy for the Tulsa Oilers in the 1950's at age 9. In 1957 Pete started playing guitar and singing in a 'Rock N Roll' Band with J.J. Cale. He attended Will Rogers High School, played baseball, even took Anita Bryant to the Prom. Pete graduated from high school in 1958, then headed to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater to complete his Bachelors Degree, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, graduating in 1962. One of Pete's proudest achievements was working with his Dad to invent a top-selling fish hook named the "Messler Hook." Pete was one of the guys in the old Zebco and Lowrance fishing gear TV commercials in the 70's. He also enjoyed many fishing trips with his good friend, Roland Martin and hunting trips with pal Jim Dougherty. Always an achiever, Pete then graduated from the University of Tulsa Law School, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1971. He was admitted to the Tulsa County Bar Association that same year and went into private practice. In 1990 Governor Frank Keating appointed him to the Bench as Special District Judge. In 1993 Pete was appointed to the US Court Appellate Division of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Pete served as District Judge for 12 years before retiring to private practice with the Drummond Law Firm in Tulsa where he remained of council until his death. Pete was a founder and life member of the National Wild Turkey Federation Chapter in Tulsa in 1992 and served as its president until 1997. He was elected to the NatureWorks Board of Directors in 1998 and served as the Art Show Director from 2013 to 2020. He genuinely admired the artists and considered them family. NatureWorks honored Pete with the 2018 Stewardship Award, a bronze polar bear monument, by sculptor Paul Rhymer, placed outside the Tulsa County Courthouse. Pete enjoyed nature and anything outdoors like traveling with wife, Helen, boating and fishing at Grand Lake, spending time with family and friends in Cabo, and exploring the Rocky Mountains as often as possible. Pete is survived by his wife Helen Howard Messler; his sister Dorothy Lovier, Las Vegas, NV. Three, children: Michael Messler, Naples, FI., LeeAnn Kelly (Randy), Mark Messler (Angie) both of Wagoner, OK; and stepson Cavan Howard, Denver, CO. 4 Grandsons and 13 Great Grandchildren. Pete's love of life was contagious and full of impact on the lives of his dearly loved family and friends. Pete possessed energy and tenacity that came from a God-given will to never give up. The family asks you to remember Pete by his upbeat attitude and never-ending desire to be the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. The man loved life and will be terribly missed by many who loved him. A Celebration of Pete's journey in life will be held at a future date. Those wishing to honor Pete's memory are welcome to donate to NatureWorks.org, or your favorite charity.

Judge James Peter Messler

October 30, 1940 - June 30, 2022