James Ray Mankiller

James Ray Mankiller was born on February 19th, 1956 in San Francisco, CA, the son of Charley and Clara Irene (Sitton) Mankiller. He grew up in a large family with ten brothers and sisters, Louis Donald Mankiller, Freida Mullins, Robert Charles Mankiller, Frances Kay Mankiller, John David Mankiller, Wilma Pearl Mankiller, Linda Jean Mankiller, Richard Colson Mankiller Vanessa Lou Mankiller, and William Edward Mankiller. He finished school and then started classes to become a sprinkler fitter. He graduated and joined Local 669 Sprinkler Fitters Union. He worked in construction most of his adult life. When he wasn’t working, he was outdoors, helping his children and grandchildren with baseball, basketball and camping! James was raised in a traditional Cherokee family and sang traditional stomp dance songs. He was active in Cherokee politics all of his lifetime, always keeping up with dealing of the nation and its current stand on all matters Cherokee. He was a life member of the Flintrock Stomp Ground. He loved to play the occasional game of poker, and most of all, cherished the time he spent with his family, sharing a meal, playing games and learning life lessons from his elders. He loved people, and it showed. He was never too busy to talk to. He possessed a strong personality and had no problems expressing his thoughts and feelings. The best part of life was spending time with his wife of 40 years, Lula, his three sons and two daughters, Charmaine Mankiller, Rayna Elk, Ronald Elk, Smokey Mankiller and Jacob Mankiller, and his brothers and sisters. He loved life and lived it to its fullest. He passed from this life on May 16th, 2022 at his home in Park Hill. He was 66 years old and will never be forgotten.

James is preceded in death by his grandparents, mother and father, his son, Smokey, and 9 of his siblings.

James will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lula Elk-Mankiller of the home in Park Hill, and his children, Charmaine Mankiller of Lakeport, CA, Rayna Elk of Arlington, TX, Ronald Elk and wife Michelle of Park Hill, OK, and Jacob Mankiller and wife Betty of Park Hill, OK. He leaves one brother, Louis Mankiller and wife Lavena of Mulberry Hollow, OK. He will live on in his 13 grandchildren, Garion Doyle, Tyra Owl, Abryahna Owl, Shaniesta Holcomb, Johnathon Holcomb, Lewis, Charles DeWayne Hall, Disosdi Elk, Leila Elk, Gvdahi Elk, Ronald Elk Jr., Olivia Mankiller, and Smokey Mankiller. He also leaves four great grandchildren, Littlebear Gregory, Kanyon Gregory, Littlefeather Gregory, and Johnathon Holcomb Jr, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

The family of James Ray Mankiller will have a traditional service to honor his passing on Friday, May 20th, 2022 at 2:00PM at Rocky Mountain School Gymnasium with Pat Moss and Tom Francis officiating. Burial by the family will take place at Echota Cemetery. Pallbearers for James include Jacob Mankiller, Ronald Elk, Faron Pritchett, Johnathon Holcomb, Abraham Bearpaw, Daniel Bearpaw, Garion Doyle and Carlos Torres. His honorary pallbearers include Chad hayes, Wendell Wing, Johnny Mankiller, Vernon Williamson, Disosdi Elk, Mitchell John and Jaron Tsosie.

He will lie in state at his home in Park Hill beginning on Tuesday and lasting until Friday morning g at 26893 South Indian Road in Park Hill, OK.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reedculver.com for the Mankiller family.