James Albert Urish was born on Aug. 26, 1941 to Howard and Orvetta in Green Valley, IL. He was the third of four children. He had two sisters and one brother; all of whom preceded him in death. As a child James’ parents moved the family to Oakland, CA. Eventually they moved to San Leandro where James attended High School. He played varsity basketball and got his letter in track for long distance running. He was also trained as a boxer in his teens. The thing he was most proud of though, was that God gave him the gift of dance. He met Margaret Elliott at a church dance in 1960. They both were excellent dancers and soon became fast friends. Eventually they started dating and on Oct. 29, 1965 they were married. Together they had four children: three daughters and one son. Sadly their youngest daughter was lost at childbirth. James worked for GM at the Fremont plant in California. Which would eventually bring him and his family to Oklahoma City in 1984. In retirement, James became very involved with his church often taking more than one calling at a time. Over the years James had many interests and hobbies which included Martial Arts, weight lifting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, biking, working on cars and reading. James was loved and respected by most of those who crossed his path. Mainly because he didn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t; and if he did, he would tell you that he was pulling your leg. He was the kind of man who did his best to take care of his family. He would help those who needed his help; and he always did what he said that he was going to do. Sadly, James died on April 14, 2021 at the age of 79. He is survived by his three remaining children, daughters, Veronica Urish and Denise Mass and husband, Nick, and son, Matthew Urish as well as 4 grandsons, David, Taylor, Nicklas and Ryan and 6 great grandchildren.
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