James "Jim" Edward Wesley Jr.

James “Jim” Edward Wesley Jr., age 84, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026.

Jim was born on August 12, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to James Earl and Gertrude (Pendarvis) Wesley. At the age of 14, he moved with his family to Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he would spend the remainder of his life building a legacy rooted in hard work, service, and devotion to family.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, stationed in Amarillo, Texas. While serving, he earned his GED, demonstrating his determination and commitment to bettering himself.

On December 26, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Wanda DeLeon, in Seminole, Oklahoma. Their marriage was one of lasting love and partnership until her passing.

Throughout his life, Jim wore many hats and excelled in each role. He dedicated his early career to serving his community as a firefighter, retiring in 1982. In addition, he was a successful businessman, owning and operating Jim’s Backhoe & Septic Tank for 61 years before retiring in 2016. Never one to sit still, Jim also had a deep passion for farming. Beginning in 1985, he farmed hay and raised cattle, later expanding his operation in 2016 to include exotic animals. Farming and taking sailboat cruises were among his favorite pastimes.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda Wesley, and his parents, James Earl and Gertrude Wesley. And one sister Pat.

He is survived by his loving family: daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Brent McCutcheon of Tecumseh; sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Kelly Wesley of Shawnee, and Gary and Lisa Wesley of Shawnee. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren—Bobbie Pinkston, Gary Don Wesley Jr., Jeremy McCutcheon, Shelby Wesley, and Kimi McCutcheon—and his great-grandchildren—Hadlee Pinkston, Baylor Pinkston, Brier Pinkston, Gracelyn Wesley, Gary Don “Trip” Wesley III, Braxton Higgins, Hollie Higgins and Hartley Higgins; sister Westa Harris of Washington and Brother Ed Wesley of North Carolina; lifelong friend, David Tappe.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, with Reverend Brent McCutcheon of Calvary Pentecostal Church in Shawnee officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.

Jim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his dedication to his family, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.