James Clark Lefler Jr., of Tulsa, Oklahoma, entered Heaven on August 23, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Jim was born on April 15, 1959, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clarabelle and Jim Lefler Sr. He attended Nathan Hale High School and later graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology.

In 1979, Jim married the love of his life, Cheryl Kay Stanberry. Together, they built a marriage and family firmly rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ. Those who knew Jim well would describe him as one of the finest examples of a family man, a devoted husband and father who led his family with kindness, humility, and an unwavering faith.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Kay Lefler; their two daughters, Christen Heath and husband Andrew, and Angela Williams and husband Alex; and his five grandchildren, Jude, Maisie, Maddie James, Anderson, and Archer. He is also survived by his sisters, Cindy Evans, and Sandy Lefler and wife Connie Bradford, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

Being "Pappa" was one of Jim's greatest joys. His grandchildren will remember a grandfather who was silly, playful, and always ready to make them laugh. Whether he was dressing up in ridiculous costumes for Halloween, manning the grill, or simply being present for the moments that mattered, he created memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Throughout his career, Jim dedicated his work to the safety and well-being of others. An entrepreneur and respected leader in his field, he served as President and CEO of a group of companies specializing in safety, risk management, and related services. But his greatest legacy was never found in a title or career accomplishment. It was found in the way he loved people.

Jim had a genuine kindness that extended to everyone he met. He invested deeply in people, cared for others without hesitation, and was always willing to share the hope he had found in Jesus. His faith wasn't simply something Jim talked about, it was the foundation upon which he built his life, his marriage, and his family.

For many years, Jim and his family were members of Faith United Methodist Church, where he shared his love of music and worship by singing in the choir and leading with the worship team on guitar. In more recent years, Jim and Cheryl made Asbury their church home, where Jim continued to faithfully serve. He served as Chairman of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee and as a member of the Administrative Council. Whether through music, leadership, or simply caring for the people around him, Jim used his gifts to serve his church and point others toward Christ.

At home, Jim found joy in life's simple things. He loved planting vegetables in his backyard, working in his yard, and playing his guitar. A proud Oklahoma State Cowboy throughout his life, he rarely missed the opportunity to make the trip to Stillwater for a football game and cheer on his beloved Pokes. More than anything, though, Jim loved taking care of the people around him. He showed his love through serving, providing, and making sure his family was cared for. He was truly the patriarch of his family, and his steady presence will be deeply missed.

Jim's faith was the foundation of his life, and his family finds tremendous comfort in knowing that the faith he carried so faithfully throughout his life has now become sight. The Jesus he spent his life loving, worshiping, and sharing with others is the Savior he is now with in Heaven.

His family will miss his laughter, his silliness, his guidance, his generosity, and the security of simply knowing Pappa was there. But the life Jim lived will continue through the family he loved, the people he served, and the faith he so intentionally passed on to the generations behind him.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 30, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Moore Southlawn Funeral Home, 9350 E. 51st St., Tulsa, OK 74145.

Services will be held Monday, August 31, at 1:00 p.m. at Mason Chapel at Asbury Church, 6767 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK 74133, with burial services to follow.