James Curtis Latham

James Curtis Latham, 81, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Sunday, August 30, 2026. He was born on November 22, 1944, at the family home in Tishomingo to Jess and Dorothy (Caldwell) Latham. James was raised in Tishomingo, a community that would always be home to him. He proudly served his country in the United States National Guard from 1964 until his discharge in 1970. James spent a portion of his life in Duncanville, Texas, where he made countless friendships that remained important to him throughout the years. In 1981, he moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma. James went to work at Uniroyal-Michelin in Ardmore, where he worked in maintenance for 26 years. After a long and dedicated career, he retired from Michelin in 2007. In 2008, James returned home to Tishomingo to enjoy his retirement. James was the kind of man who never met a stranger. Friendly, easygoing, and always ready for a conversation, he was well known throughout his hometown and had a way of making friends wherever he went. Simply put, James was a good person and a good friend, and those who knew him knew they could count on him. He enjoyed fishing and was a loyal OU football fan. One of his memorable highlights came in 2011 when he won the Cooper Tire Ultimate Bowl Tour, an experience that combined his love of football with a memory he was proud to share. While James had many interests, nothing compared to the time he spent with his family. He especially loved spending time and vacationing with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Those trips, visits, and everyday moments together became some of his most treasured memories. James may not have been known for his skills in the kitchen—in fact, about the only thing he could cook was fried bologna—but that was simply part of the personality his family knew and loved. His sense of humor, friendliness, and genuine love for the people around him made even the simplest moments memorable. James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Latham; his parents, Jess and Dorothy Latham; and his sister, Susan Shrader. Those left to cherish his memory include his son, James Curtis Latham Jr. and wife Shawna; daughter, Sherry Beadle and husband Jason of Calera, Oklahoma; brother, Charles Latham of Ardmore, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Forrest Latham, Dalton Latham, and Lexi Ballinger and husband Creed; great-grandson, Caiden Latham; along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, and a hometown full of people who had the pleasure of knowing him. James lived a life built around family, friendship, hard work, and enjoying the people around him. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a familiar face around Tishomingo who always had time to visit. His family will especially remember the vacations they shared, the football games he watched, the fishing trips, the laughter, and all those ordinary moments that now mean so much. James leaves behind a lifetime of memories and countless friendships—a fitting legacy for a man who truly never met a stranger. Funeral services to honor and celebrate James’ life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home Chapel in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Tishomingo Cemetery. A family visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction and care of DeArman-Clark Funeral Home.

James Curtis Latham

November 22, 1944 - August 30, 2026