Jimmy Don Tunnell

Jimmy Don Tunnell, 81, of America, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on July 16, 2025.

He was born on October 9, 1943, in Moon, Oklahoma, to Lillian Proctor Tunnell and O.R. “Rock” Tunnell. A lifelong cowboy in every sense of the word, Jimmy Don spent his life working in the woods as a logger, tending to his cattle, and raising horses, something he had a natural hand and heart for. He believed in doing things the right way, even if it meant doing them the hard way. His days often started before sunrise and ended only after the job was done. Whether on horseback, behind the wheel of a tractor, or at the heavy end of a chainsaw, Jimmy Don was most at home working for the life he built and the family he loved.

On November 11, 1961, he married Julia Francis “Sally” Wade. Together, they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and love.

He is survived by his wife, Julia; daughters, Terri and Randy Johnson of Redland, Oklahoma, Christine and Bob Jensen of Benedict, Nebraska, and Shelby Newton of Redland, Oklahoma; sons, Jimmy and Candace Tunnell of America, Oklahoma, Vincent Tunnell of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Rich Tunnell of McKinney, Texas, Haley Tunnell of London, England and Starla Tunnell of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jimmy was a proud grandfather to Liz Longacre, Alexis Ward, Britt Patterson, Jay Tunnell, Rhyan Newton, Heath Newton, Katie Burns, Seth Patterson, Alex Newton, and Ali White; and a cherished great-grandfather to Skye Walls, Drake Walls, Rayleigh Burns, Riley Burns, Audrey Newton, Zachary Longacre, Hudson Newton, Jace Newton, Coleson Newton, Rhett Burns, River Burns, and the late Lillian Patterson.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lillian Proctor Tunnell and O.R. “Rock” Tunnell; his brothers, Wilford Dale Tunnell, Jerry Wayne Tunnell, and Gerald Dean Tunnell; and his precious great-granddaughter, Lillian Elizabeth Patterson.

Jimmy Don Tunnell was the kind of man who left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege to know him. He was as honest as a handshake in a feed store. He lived by a set of values earned through callused hands, long days, and promises kept. His loyalty to his family was unwavering, no matter the weather. He will be deeply missed, admired, and forever remembered by those who loved him.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Haworth Church of Christ with Aubrey Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at Bokhoma Cemetery.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.whitefamilyfh.com.

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