Obituary for James Legg

James Howard Legg

September 30, 1944 – October 19, 2017

James Howard Legg; Jimmy Legg to all who know and love him, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at his home.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 24th 2017 at his home church, First Presbyterian Church of Tonkawa with Pastor Phillip Erwin officiating.

Jim is survived by his wife Bonnie, children: Theresa, Matt, Bobbi¸ Kerry and Mike as well as 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Also his brother Jerry Legg, sister-in-law Mina Legg, niece Jackie Sartin and nephew John Legg. He is preceded in death by his parents, his Aunt Roseda Decker and his grandson Jake Tatum.

Jimmy was born in Ponca City, OK September 30, 1944 to Howard and Marjorie Legg. He graduated from Tonkawa High School and then received his B.S. in Agronomy from Oklahoma State University. After college he returned to Tonkawa where he farmed the family land for 35 years along with his brother Jerry. After retiring from farming, he and his wife Bonnie purchased and managed a motel in Eureka Springs, AR for several years. After selling the property, the next ten years he worked at The Golf Club of Oklahoma in Tulsa before returning to Tonkawa with Bonnie four years ago. Jim was able to live in the country again with their dog Maggie, battle daily with the chickens and the rooster and gaze at the cattle in their back yard while enjoying not having responsibility for their care.

His love of life included diverse interests. Jim retired honorably from the Oklahoma Army National Guard as a Sergeant first class non commissioned officer after 23 years of service. He was an avid lover of the water and spent countless summers on various boats camping and fishing throughout the lakes of Oklahoma. He loved to hunt and attended an annual Pheasant hunt with friends and family in Kansas for many years as well as hunting throughout his entire life on Tonkawa farmlands. All who knew Jim would agree his dedication to Oklahoma State football and the Republican Party were two enormous passions for him. He also snow skied throughout his life and enjoyed numerous family ski trips in Colorado. He loved his grandchildren and attended as many sporting events and activities as he could to support their interests too. If laughter could be bottled and sold he would have been a millionaire, since telling a story was one of his greatest gifts. Up until the night of his death, he enjoyed being with good friends and playing cards; all the while making everyone laugh.

Jimmy, Dad, Grandpa Jim and Uncle Jim touched so many people while living on this earth. His presence will be missed by all, even though as Brother Phil noted, “Jim is now truly happy with Jesus and those family and friends who went ahead of him.” Since our U.S. Veterans were so important to Jim, please honor him with your donation.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation to Wounded Warriors: and 877-832-6997.

Source: Trout Funeral Home