James Roy Chaffin

James Roy Chaffin, 73, finished life’s earthly journey on Sunday, August 27, at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Atoka, Oklahoma, on February 20, 1944, to Lonnie H. and Nola Mae Chaffin.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, September 1, at 1 p.m. at Whitt Funeral Home Chapel with Barry Dodson officiating. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home.

Jim attended Stringtown public schools and graduated from Stringtown High School in 1962. He graduated in 1966 from East Central University with a BS in Elementary Education and earned his Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Oklahoma University in 1981.

He married the love of his life, Linda Morris, on May 26, 1966, in Ada. They raised three children, Melissa, Stacy, and Michael.

Jim started teaching in the Comanche Public Schools in 1966. In 1972 he became the principal of Liberty Elementary School where he also taught class for several hours each day. Jim loved to read and wanted to instill reading on each of his students. Two books that he read aloud to his students were “Where the Red Fern Grows” and “Summer of the Monkeys”, both written by Wilson Rawls. In 1980 he became the Comanche Elementary School principal. He loved teaching and cared about each and every student with whom he had contact. He retired in 1996 after serving the students of Comanche for 30 years.

Jim enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing golf at Twin Oaks, and the outdoors. He loved his eight grandkids and two great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lonnie Chaffin.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Melissa Harrison of Duncan; Stacy Rose of Arlington, Texas; and Michael and spouse, Kelly Chaffin of Dennison, Texas; eight grandchildren, Megan Harrison; Matthew and spouse, Rozalyn Harrison; Joshua and spouse, Kelsey Lovett; Jacob Rose, Emily Chaffin, Cleoan Chaffin, Jackson Chaffin, and Benjamin Chaffin; two great-grandchildren, Chandler Grace Holmes and Raelyn Hamil; two brothers, Kenneth and spouse, Lillian Chaffin, and Johnny Chaffin; one sister, Darlene and spouse, Maurice Allen; and one sister-in-law, Polly Chaffin.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.