James Worthy Obituary

James Noel Worthy, 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, July 15, 2025, in Chandler, Oklahoma.

James was born on January 9, 1943, in Brady, Texas, to Noel Lee and Willie Dean (Kelsey) Worthy. He spent his early years across various parts of Texas, primarily in the Midland and Dallas areas, before his family made their home in the Oklahoma City area. James graduated from Putnam City High School in 1961, where he met the love of his life, Loretta White. The two were married on July 11, 1964, in Oklahoma City and recently celebrated 61 years of marriage.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he held the rank of Staff Sergeant and was stationed in both Germany and Minot, North Dakota.

James made his career in radio and computer repair. He worked for Bill’s Communications in Bethany, Oklahoma, before founding and operating Alpha Computers. He retired from the technology field in 2000. Following his retirement, James and Loretta moved to Chandler, where they purchased 160 acres of land and cared for a herd of 25 horses.

A man of deep and abiding faith, James was known affectionately as Reverend Father James. He was an ordained Episcopal priest for more than 30 years and served in various churches including Church of the Holy Spirit in Oklahoma City, Vineyard Christian Fellowship, and Church on the Rock in Chandler. Even after his formal retirement from the priesthood, James remained active in ministry, continuing to serve and counsel others from home alongside Loretta. When he wasn’t working or sharing the gospel, James enjoyed target shooting, flying remote-controlled airplanes and helicopters, and connecting with others through HAM radios. He was also a proud member of the NRA.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Willie Dean Worthy, and a brother, Michael Dean Worthy.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Worthy; children, James David Worthy and his wife, Sheri Worthy, Robert Brian Worthy and his wife, Tonja Worthy, and Oneta Suzanne “Suzie” Granville and her husband, Edward Granville; a brother, Gary Forrest Worthy and his wife, Ellie Worthy; grandchildren, Shirley Jean Griffith and her husband Clayton Griffith, Patrick James Worthy, Angela Joy Worthy, Daniel Joseph Worthy, Michael Robert Worthy, Hannah Brianne Wood and her husband, Tremane Wood Jr, Jonathon Edward Granville, David Edward Granville, and Jordan Suzanne Goforth and her husband, Lucas Goforth; as well as a host of other family members and friends.