James (Jim) Fredrick Phelps was born in Tulsa, OK on July 19, 1942 to his parents, Fred and Ramona Phelps. He passed peacefully on Saturday, January 22, 2022. He attended Marquette School and graduated from Edison High School in 1961. He attended Northeastern State University for one year and then joined the Navy. He was in the service for 2 years and spent some time in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim began his studies at Spartan School of Aeronautics. He received his airplane mechanic certification.

Jim lived in San Diego for several years and worked for Pacific Southern Airlines. He then moved to Saudi Arabia and worked for Saudi Arabian Airlines.

After leaving Saudi Arabia, Jim married the love of his life, Yvonne Gonzalez, and they moved to Tulsa, OK. He worked as a mechanics supervisor for American Airlines for over 25 years. He retired from American in 2009.

During his time in Saudi, Jim traveled extensively in Europe. During his retirement, Jim loved playing golf, working on his beautiful lawn, having lunch with high school friends and meeting his retired friends from American for lunch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ramona Phelps.

He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; sister Loretta Cordova of San Juan, P.R. and sister, Donna Redyke (Jim) of Tulsa, OK. He leaves behind many beloved nephews, nieces and many cousins.

The family wishes to thank the caring workers at the Ambassador Manor for their kindness and support during his illness.

At his retirement party, his boss said that he and Jim would sometime have varying disagreements about work related issues, but that Jim was one of the finest individuals he had the pleasure to work with. Jim was always a true gentleman. He will be missed.

No service is planned. The family suggests contributing to Catholic charities in Jim's honor.