James Willie Eaton, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the age of 95. The son of Cora Mae (Calison) and Albert Perry Eaton, James was born on November 19, 1929, in Porum, Oklahoma. James attended school and grew up on the family farm in Porum where he developed his love for cattle and other livestock, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He grew to have an avid love for hunting and would hunt for birds, bobcats, racoons, deer and anything else that had a dedicated hunting season every chance he had. James' favorite place to travel to and spend time was southeastern Oklahoma "the mountains" where he spent many days driving the back roads looking for deer or walking for miles through the woods. Each year James and his family spent the week of Thanksgiving and even celebrated Thanksgiving Day in the middle of woods camping on the side of a dead-end road. This is where many of the fondest memories with James were made. When he wasn't hunting, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at home in Oklahoma City. James met his soon to be wife Barbara Jo Rae Paden in 1960 and the two married November 9, 1960. When James met Barbara, she was a young widow with 3 young daughters Jo Ann, Paula, and Pamela. Just as he had fallen in love with Barbara he had fallen in love with her 3 young children and would go on to raise and love them as his own. James and Barbara were blessed with a son, Jimmy in 1965. James' love for hunting and the outdoors were quickly instilled in his son Jimmy and the two enjoyed hunting and fishing together for many years. James was also an avid water skier. He would stand on the shore with one ski on his foot and ski around the lake and end up back on the shore completely dry.

James' passion for cattle helped shape his more than 75 year career at the Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City where he worked for several commission companies but most notably S&C Commission Company and J&J Livestock Commission Company as a cattle salesman throughout the years. The Stockyards was a lifelong passion for James and is where many of his customers became lifelong friends and is where he passionately worked with his son Jimmy building J&J into a successful commission company before he retired. The family was long-time faithful members of the May Ave. Church of the Nazarene for many years, where he accepted the Lord as his personal savior in April 2023 and was baptized. He loved attending church with his family and hosting "Sunday Dinner" at his house where roast and potatoes were a staple regardless of what was on the menu.

James wasn't an avid sports fan, but he did like watching baseball and football where he rooted for OSU just to spite his wife and family of long time 'OU Sooners" fans. James could be described as stubborn and hardheaded among other things, but he was strong, faithful, hardworking, loving, caring and most of all he was the best role model, husband, father, and grandfather to his family. James will be missed by all who knew him, and he left a legacy that will live on for many years to come.

James was preceded in death by his:

Parents; Cora and Albert Eaton

Wife of 61 years, Barbara Jo Rae Eaton;

Daughter, Pamela K. Brown;

Son-in-law, Larry Edwards.

Seven brothers and sisters.

James leaves behind his loving family:

Daughter, Jo Ann Dallas and husband Darrell;

Daughter, Paula Hurt and her husband, Chris;

Son, Jimmy Eaton and wife, Sheila;

Daughter, Debbie Quintero and husband, Frank; and family

Daughter, Susan Savage and her husband, Jim; and family

Son-In-Law, John R. Brown;

7 Grandchildren: Jason and Valecia Edwards; James Edwards; Jeremiah Brown & wife Cassie; Lindsay Brown; Cheyanne & husband Jesse Williams; Justin Dallas & wife Lyndsie; Amy & husband Richard Harris;

Great Grandchildren: Hunter Harris & wife, Reagan; Kaylee & husband Jarod Nickell; Eli, Emersyn, and Everly Dallas;, Carson and Lexi Edwards; Moses, Isla, & Juniper Brown; Weston and Chloe Williams; and Coby Edwards;

Great-great grandchildren: Brantley and Hadley Edwards, Honey & Hudson Nickell, and Oakley Harris;

As well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Viewing will be 4-8 PM Tuesday and Wednesday at the funeral home with the family present to greet friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday. Funeral service to celebrate and honor his life will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the South Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 6934 S Western Ave. OKC, OK 73139