James David ConnorEnid, OK

James David Connor, 79, a longtime resident of Ponca City, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 07, 2026.

James was born on October 23, 1946, in Perry, Oklahoma to Edward Thomas Connor and Margaret Jane Leighan Connor. He was welcomed by his brother, Edward Thomas Connor II. He graduated from Cleveland High School with the class of 1965.

James proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1965 to 1969. During three tours off the coast of Vietnam, he attained the rank of Machinist Mate 3rd Class (E4). He was honorably discharged in 1969.

In 1975, James married Mary Lou Cummings and gained a daughter, Karen. He later married Georgia Cobble in 1984. They shared 38 years of marriage before her passing in 2022.

Over the years, James worked for Sonja’s Flowers, Heater Technology, Glass Trucking for more than 20 years, and Toni’s Drug. Most recently, he served as a gatekeeper at Sarge Creek, where the campground became his home and his fellow volunteers and campers became his extended family. After Georgia’s passing, he found his greatest peace in the sunrises and in time spent around the campfire with his loyal four-legged companion, Penny.

James’ desire to serve others was reflected in the time he devoted to the Jaycees, the American Legion, and the Knights of Pythias. Within the Knights of Pythias, he held every local office as well as several state offices, including Grand Vice Chancellor, Grand Chancellor, Grand Secretary, and Supreme Representative of the Grand Lodge. He and Georgia enjoyed traveling to state and national conferences, including one that took them as far as Nova Scotia.

James was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church where he served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister.

James held strong convictions on matters of faith and his love for his country. He was equally devoted to his family and found great joy in celebrating their achievements. He had a generous nature and loved doing things for others. He loved to travel, explore new places, hike and in early years he and Georgia loved to go dancing. Now they’re dancing together in heaven.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Karen Worley and husband Robin, Sue Ann Rutherford and husband Harley, Jackie Hill, George Brown, and daughter-in-law Raye Lynne Brown and husband Fred; his grandchildren: Angel Fowler and husband Johnny, Lacy Villarruel, Lyndsey Driggers and husband Dewayne, Michael Cronister, Kayla Martin and husband Mitchell, Cody Rutherford and wife Ashley, Chandler Brown, Kennedy Brown, Tobyn and Kye Cries for Ribs; Great grandchildren Chloe Villarruel, Liam Taylor, Gracelyn Fowler, Dwight Driggers, Elye Taylor, Bently Taylor, Jaxston Fowler, Emmett Driggers, Delilah Driggers, Major Rutherford, Odin Martin, Dwayne Driggers, Jr and Broxin Martin.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; hisbrother; his sons-in-law, Wes Hill and Steve Dummer; and his grandson, Frank Villarruel III.

Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service handled the cremation arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

If you would like to honor James’ memory, memorialcontributions may be made to the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society who brought him his beloved Cisco Kid and Penny, theCorps of Engineers/Sarge Creek or Osage Hills State Park.