by Jim Tarter Obituary, Death – We give thanks to God for the life of Jimmy “Jim” Lee Tarter, who passed away on January 6, 2023 after a brief battle with illness. Jimmy “Jim” Lee Tarter was 81 years old. He went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jim was a devoted guy who had a deep love for the Lord, his family, the church, and all of the people in his neighborhood and country. On August 8, 1941, Jim Tarter was born in Davenport, Oklahoma, at the home that his parents, the late Lee Roy Tarter and the late Treba Tarter, owned on Route 66. In 1964, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University.
Two years later, in 1965, he received a Master of Business Administration degree from the same institution. In 1972, he received his doctoral degree in Organizational Behavior and Operations Management from Michigan State University. Prior to that, he had served in the Army for four years, rising to the rank of Captain during that time. He held the positions of professor, consultant, small company owner, executive, provost, dean, and professor emeritus during his career. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout. But most significantly, Jim had a deep love for God and a desire to honor and serve Him in any way he could. He was an elder at Bethel Bible Church who gave his time and energy wholeheartedly, and he was an outstanding leader in Bible Study Fellowship. Jim’s life was enriched by the presence of a caring family.
On May 28, 1965, he wed the woman who would become the love of his life and his best friend, Ann Jeffrey Tarter, in Hugo, Oklahoma. During their 57-year marriage, Jim’s love and devotion to Ann was unwavering. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and tireless mentor who loved to invest in the lives of everyone around him, most importantly by asking his favorite question, “How can I pray for you?” He was a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, encouraging friend, and tireless mentor. He had a deep love for the Lord, and his life reflected that love. His loved ones mourn his passing but take comfort in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering and is instead at rest with their Savior.
