Leon James was born in Bixby, OK on September 14, 1939, the son of a sharecropper and starting life in a modest two room home. Leon became a fabrication and entrepreneurial icon as his climb to success covered over forty years. His enterprising endeavors found his initial efforts involved with metal fabrication, machine and equipment sales while later expanding into rental property, real estate, RV park development and food distribution. Leon began his journey in 1970, where while working for the Conrad Company he and his partner, Harold Lykens started their first venture building small heat exchangers in a rented shop building. After the untimely death of his partner in 1976, he became the primary owner of the Fabsco Heat Exchanger Company. The work ethic that so strongly motivated Leon began at the young age of eight when he worked on the farm and was continued at sixteen as he labored as a grinder and clean up man under the mentoring of Fred Cox. Continuing his "learn while you work" education, he moved to the Yuba Companies where he developed his skills for welding and assembly. Already more successful than anticipated, he interrupted his career journey in 1962, to proudly serve his country, joining the United States Army as a part of an artillery unit stationed in Germany. Being of strong character he was well known for HIS WAY being the right way and could be very convincing at making you understand his position. Along with this he was known for loyalty, graciousness and fairness. His reputation for sharing with others will always bring smiles to our faces while flooding our hearts with precious memories. While always being known as a doting dad, he especially loved to travel with his motor home friends and his special and beloved wife, Norma. His influence and memory will be with all of us for years to come. He is survived by his loving wife Norma whom he married on March 3, 1987, in Tulsa as well as by 7 children; Kandi Clark of Scottsdale, AZ, Traci Stamps and husband Johnny of Bixby, Kelly Sucher of Tulsa, Marti Coleman and husband David of Bixby, Matt James of Broken Arrow, James Nichols and wife Caroline of Bixby and David James and wife Shana of Bixby, 3 sisters; Edna Bennett of Sapulpa, Jackie Brummett of Bixby and Yvonne Hyams of Broken Arrow, 1 brother; Tommy James of Bixby, 11 grandchildren; Maegan, DeLayne, Jamie, Robert, Kaylee, Brandon, Nick, Bailey, Carissa, Avery and Paisley, 2 great-grandchildren; Brody and Elizabeth and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, employees and many good friends. Services were held Monday, September 27 at the New Beginnings Baptist Church with interment following in the Bixby Cemetery. Casket bearers were Joe Bennett, Jimmy Bennett, Mark Morgan, Bobby Brummett, Tony James, Todd James and Terry Hyams. Services by Leonard & Marker Funeral Home of Bixby.
(Tulsa World, Sept. 29, 2010)