Iris Elaine James

She was the youngest of four children and was born on June 28, 1944, in Hominy, Oklahoma, to Ira Clyde Silvernail and Helen Jenkins Silvernail. In 1962, she graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City. Through her brother Dale, she met Leroy James and “knocked his socks off” by her beauty. Although Iris was unimpressed after her first “Coke date” with Leroy, he won her over, and they married in 1963. For sixty-one years, they had a wonderful life together. Iris was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (“Ma”), sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Leroy James; sister, Sharon Logsdon; daughter, Niki James McClintock and son-in-law Michael McClintock; son, Christopher James and daughter-in-law Jennifer James; grandchildren, Mason McClintock, Matthew McClintock, Max James, and Emma James; as well as many other family members and friends – all of whom will miss her greatly.

Any who knew Iris knew that relationships were of vital importance to her, and she demonstrated this by her loyalty, generosity, humor, and kindness. She was the ideal “straight man” for Leroy’s comedy, and her deadpan eyeroll was the perfect accompaniment to his schtick. Her family was her greatest sense of pride. She adored children and they adored her. In fact, the achievement most precious to Iris was being a trusted and respected NICU “Cuddler” of critically ill newborns at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. She loved making pottery, was an excellent cook, and for several years had her own Mary Kary business. She was the school secretary at Myers Elementary in Yukon, Oklahoma, and for twenty-six years was a loving advocate for teachers and kids and made many lasting friendships. In Yukon, she also was an active member of the Alpha Beta Chi friendship sorority through Myers Elementary, as well as the Zeta Nu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. She was a member of Crossings Community Church.

Donations in her honor may be made to “OU Children’s Hospital Volunteer Programs and Toy Cart.”

The memorial service to celebrate her life will be Friday, August 23, at 2:00 in the chapel of Crossings Community Church, 14600 Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City.

A reception will follow the celebration in the atrium of Crossings Community Church.

Iris will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73131.