James Henry Chilcoat

James Henry Chilcoat, 91 of Dumas, was taken peacefully by our Lord on Monday, March 5, 2012 and was rejoined in heaven with his wife Cleathel. The love these two shared for over 70 years is a testament to true love and devotion. We know they are rejoicing with each other. Services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 8, 2012 in Morrison Memorial Chapel in Dumas. Arrangements are entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors. James was one of 7 children born to the late Walter and Hattie Chilcoat in Wewoka, Oklahoma and was the beloved husband of Cleathel for almost 70 years. He went to grade school and high school is Sulphur, Oklahoma. He married his wife Cleathel Maxine Hunter on June 5th, 1939 in Sulphur, Oklahoma. James served his country in the Navy Seabees during WWII and was in charge of the floating bridges that allowed the unloading of the tanks and supplies during the Normandy Invasion that saved thousands of soldiers lives. After leaving the military in 1945 he worked in various jobs including work on a farm and an automotive shop. He worked for over 30 years for the National Park Service at numerous locations including Carlsbad Caverns, Lake Powell, and Lake Mead. After retiring he built two homes for him and his wife Cleathel. James spent many hours on his ham radio talking with friends all over the country. James has been a Dumas resident for the last six years and served as a member of the 9th and Bliss Church of Christ. James was a courageous man who had a warm and loving spirit. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was an amazing caretaker to his wife Cleathel who suffered from alzheimers for many years. He stood by her side even when at times she didn700t know him or would mistake him for a stranger. The unconditional love James showed for Cleathel during the last years of her life represented the type of man he was. James is survived by his two sons, Gary and Ken Chilcoat, his sisters Eva and LaVerne, granddaughter, Shelly Collins and her husband Wil, grandson Kris, and greatgrandchildren, Austin, Hannah and Taylor Schlagel.