James Ross

Services for James Paul Ross, 80, of Connerville, are 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Steve Wilburn will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Ross passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the VA Center in Ardmore. He was born September 24, 1945, in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Homer Bertram and Mary T. Frasier Ross.

On June 9, 1967, in Connerville, OK, he married Margie Lea Coles, the love of his life. Mr. Ross was a social worker for two congressmen and the Chickasaw Nation, until his retirement.

James loved his country and was proud to have served his country in the Vietnam War. He was also proud of his Scottish heritage and served as the first Oklahoma commissioner for the Clan Ross Association of the United State. James also loved OU football and knew the name of every new recruit and player for the last 50 years.

Survivors include his wife, Margie, of the home; sons, James Quinn Ross and wife, Melanie, of McAlester, and Todd Ross, of Tishomingo; brothers, Homer Ross and wife, Lupe, of Tishomingo, and Clark Corey, of Los Angeles, CA; five grandchildren, Kendra Saltis and husband, Jarrod, James D. Ross and Shyla Gleason, Connor Ross, Isabelle Ross, and Rhianna Ross; eight great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Nelson Ross.

Bearers are Connor Ross, James Ross, Jarrod Saltis, Michael Coffman, Mark Bratcher and Clark Corey.