Obituary for James Carrol Fine Jr.
James Carroll (Jim) Fine of Owasso, Oklahoma was born May 23, 1931 to Carroll and Evalene Fine in Mountainburg, Arkansas. He departed this life peacefully January 16, 2020 in his Owasso home at the age of 88 years.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Leota Fine, his parents and grandparents. He is survived by two sons Michael Fine and wife Princess of Tulsa, Brian Fine and wife Rita of Owasso, one granddaughter Madison Fine and husband Juan Zambrano of Houston, Texas.
Jim served as an Army infantryman in the Korean War. He was awarded the Purple Heart medal and Combat Infantry badge.
After the war, Jim returned to the Fort Smith area where he met the love of his life Leota Arnold at a local roller rink and they became very accomplished skaters. They were married on February 11, 1956.
Jim attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville through the G.I. Bill where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
His degree led him to a career in the petroleum industry which began in Oklahoma. His expertise in the petroleum industry would eventually take him all over the world and served him well until his retirement in 1999.
After retirement Jim devoted much time and effort reconnecting with other veterans of Company L, 21st Infantry Regiment. The annual reunions became a highlight of his and Leota’s lives.
Jim was also instrumental in compiling, editing and publishing the book, “Love, Labor and Laughter” a compilation of war stories from 16 of the men of Company L (Love Company) published in 2000.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Folds of Honor.
Services will take place at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Ocker Funeral Home of Alma with interment at Peters Cemetery.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Leota Fine, his parents and grandparents. He is survived by two sons Michael Fine and wife Princess of Tulsa, Brian Fine and wife Rita of Owasso, one granddaughter Madison Fine and husband Juan Zambrano of Houston, Texas.
Jim served as an Army infantryman in the Korean War. He was awarded the Purple Heart medal and Combat Infantry badge.
After the war, Jim returned to the Fort Smith area where he met the love of his life Leota Arnold at a local roller rink and they became very accomplished skaters. They were married on February 11, 1956.
Jim attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville through the G.I. Bill where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
His degree led him to a career in the petroleum industry which began in Oklahoma. His expertise in the petroleum industry would eventually take him all over the world and served him well until his retirement in 1999.
After retirement Jim devoted much time and effort reconnecting with other veterans of Company L, 21st Infantry Regiment. The annual reunions became a highlight of his and Leota’s lives.
Jim was also instrumental in compiling, editing and publishing the book, “Love, Labor and Laughter” a compilation of war stories from 16 of the men of Company L (Love Company) published in 2000.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Folds of Honor.
Services will take place at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Ocker Funeral Home of Alma with interment at Peters Cemetery.