James Asa Tripp Haggard III
Early in the morning on January 23, 2015, James Asa Tripp Haggard III, beloved husband, father, family member and friend, passed peacefully from this life.

Tripp was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 28, 1954. He was the only child of James Asa "Jack" and Montgomery Hopper Haggard. He began school in Oklahoma City and at nine years of age moved to McAlester, Oklahoma. He graduated from McAlester High School in 1972.

Tripp attended the University of Oklahoma for one year after graduating from high school and then transferred to the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He graduated from "Ole Miss" in 1976 with a major in history. He was a devoted fan of both the Sooners and the Ole Miss Rebels.

Tripp's knowledge of and interest in history led him to become interested in politics and in the 1970's he participated in the gubernatorial campaign of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh and in the presidential campaign of Alabama governor George Wallace.

Tripp loved life and people and spent his life in service to others. His desire to serve and his experience in politics led him to a long and accomplished career in the United States Jaycees at the local, state and national levels. During his time in the Jaycees, he traveled to all fifty states and to other countries, one of which was Germany.

It was at the beginning of Tripp's Jaycee career that he met Margarett Bond, and in 1983 they were married at Trinity Episcopal Church. Tripp found great joy in their three children: Ashley Montgomery born in 1985, James Asa Zachary born in 1989 and Molly Amanda born in 1990.

In the span of his lifetime, Tripp had many and varied experiences and avocations. While he spent time early on as a radio announcer and in work for the American Heart Association, his major contributions came in the form of his avocations. He was deeply involved in charity events and in fundraising for non-profits, was a motivational speaker, and served his church in a number of ways.

Tripp was devoted to his children and considered being a "stay-at-home" father a top priority. In his support of them, he served as the president of the Patrick Henry PTA for two terms and was on the board of the Patrick Henry Foundation. He was a softball coach, a scout leader and was involved in and attended all of the extra-curricular activities in which Ashley, Zach and Molly participated.

Through the Jaycees, Tripp touched many, many lives. Tripp's Jaycee career began in 1978 when he was elected president of the Pittsburgh County Jaycees. After a spirited campaign, with many supporters whom he dubbed as "Tripp's Troops," he was elected the 57th president of the Oklahoma Jaycees in 1981. He was elected a National Vice President of the U. S. Jaycees and served in that capacity in the years of 1982 and 1983. During this time, he traveled throughout the United States. In 1983, the United States Jaycees awarded him the Don Cavelli Memorial Award, which is presented annually to an outstanding national vice president. Tripp also had the honor and privilege of being a United State JCI Senator. A senatorship is the highest international honor that can be given to a Jaycee. Only 1 out of 1,000 Jaycees becomes a senator.

Being an "Old Miss" graduate and history buff and with family roots in the South, Tripp became a Civil War enthusiast and scholar. His desire to share his knowledge and enthusiasm led him to become a presenter on the topic of the Civil War. He visited many schools including Thoreau, Memorial and the School of Saint Mary. He would arrive in full Civil War regalia, and in character, and would fascinate students with his realistic and historically correct tales. His natural speaking ability and charisma allowed him to tailor his presentations to all age groups.

Tripp attended Trinity Episcopal Church, in Tulsa, from the early 1980's and served there in a wide range of capacities. He was a lector, an usher, a Sunday School teacher, and he served on the Building Committee. He was elected to and served on the Vestry, a board that helps carry out the ministry of the church. In 2007, he instituted the Brotherhood of St. Lawrence, a group within the church that works on various service projects ranging from cooking for parish functions to providing emergency support to those in need.

In 2009, Tripp founded the Oklahoma Championship Steak Cookoff, an annual event benefitting area non-profits. By 2014, it had grown to be the third largest steak cook-off in the United States and was attended by several thousand people and upwards of 50 teams of grillers from surrounding states. In 2011, TulsaPeople magazine honored Tripp as one of twenty-five Tulsans who made a difference in the community by giving of time and talent to make Tulsa a better place. In 2012, he founded the Our Garden Project, an urban gardening project designed to help low income families learn about gardening and to provide an added source of healthy food to their tables.

Tripp spent his life giving to others. He was larger than life and full of enthusiasm. He loved family, friends, celebrations, the New York Yankees, singing, making others laugh, entertaining, and church. He was devoted to his family and was known by all to have many talents. He was a teacher, speaker, and chef extraordinaire. He was known far and wide for his savory smoked meats. He was an artist whose murals could be found in both homes and businesses.

Tripp left a legacy of love and service. His energies were channeled always for the greater good. A member of the U. S. Jaycees throughout his entire adult life, Tripp exemplified and lived out their creed. He will forever be known as a person who deeply believed that "faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life… and that service to humanity is the best work of life. "

Tripp was a recognized and committed leader in all areas of his life. He gave his all to make a difference in our world. Tripp will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his wit, intelligence, quick smile, resonant voice, hugs, readiness for mischief, big heart and organizational skills, not to mention the sparkle in his eyes and the dimple in his chin.

Tripp was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Haggard and Montgomery and John Gross.
Tripp is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Margarett; daughters Ashley Haggard, of Tulsa, and Molly Haggard of the home; son Zach Haggard, also of the home; and a large, extended family and untold numbers of friends.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 31st at 11am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 501 S. Cincinnati, Tulsa. A celebration will follow in the Great Hall. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to New Hope Oklahoma % Trinity Episcopal Church, the Brotherhood of St. Lawrence Garden Project also % of Trinity Episcopal Church, or St. Crispin's Summer Camp % Diocese of Oklahoma, 924 Robinson, Oklahoma City, Ok 73102

Pastor Kristi Maulden's inspired words on James Asa Tripp Haggard III are a perfect closing tribute to a beloved man. "I loved the shape of your soul. Where some would carry sharp edges, you carried generous spaces. You laughed with your eyes wide open to the world. You saw with an honesty the imperfections, and still forgave. You never arrived empty handed. Too few were the days of your journey here on earth. You knew how to be, so that others discovered how to be human."

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 31, 2015 at
Trinity Episcopal Church, 501 South Cincinnati, Tulsa, OK.

Moore's Rosewood (918) 744-1202