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1913 James 2009

James Updike

November 28, 1913 — December 12, 2009

James V. (Jake) Updike, Grove resident, died Saturday December 12, 2009 at the age of 96 years. He was born November 28, 1913 in Fletcher, Ok to Virgil and Dora Lee (Rhodes) Updike. Jake was raised in Broken Arrow and attended Broken Arrow schools where he played basketball in high school. He worked construction with his father after school and weekends building the First Christian Church of which he was a lifetime member. Jake worked pipeline construction in Illinois, Maine, Greenland (Thule AFB), Oman, and Nigeria. He retired from the engineering department as a City inspector in Norman, OK and moved to Grove in 1986. Jake received his 55 year pin from the Carpenter's Local in Tulsa. After retiring, Jake enjoyed playing golf for 20 years on all the courses in the Grove area and also Loma Linda in Joplin. Jake was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Floyd, Carlton, and Cleo; sisters, Mary Esther, Dorothy Lee, and also Vaye (mother of his children). He is survived by his wife, LaVera, of the home; sons, David, Allen, and John; daughter, Donna; step-daughter, Kris; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday December 14, 2009 at the First Christian Church of Grove with Pastor Jim Pelley officiating. Special music will be provided by vocalist, Dorothy Klein, pianist Nancy Keller, and Mrs. Jim Pelley. Interment will be at Olympus Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Justin Updike, Andy Updike, Don Hart, Dewey Brady, Dean Barrett and Randy Jobe. Services are under the direction of Ellis Family Funeral Home.

Service Details

Monday, December 14th, 2009 11:00am, First Christian Church

Interment Details

Olympus Cemetery

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