James R. Blakemore ("Jim"), businessman, beloved father, grandfather and friend, passed away on April 25. He was 76. Services are set for 1 p.m. on June 30, 2025, at Stanleys Funeral Service.

Born June 30, 1948, in Fayetteville, Ark., Jim was the first child of Robert "Bob" T. Blakemore and Mary Tippin Blakemore. After Bob graduated from the University of Arkansas, and accepted a job with Warren Petroleum, the young family moved to Tulsa.

Jim graduated from Memorial High School in 1967, and then attended Oklahoma State University, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity. Jim went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Tulsa.

He entered the business world with a mix of determination, charm and entrepreneurial instinct. After some great triumphs, followed by lean times, in the oil business, in 1997, Jim took over what was then a struggling plastics company with just one major customer. Over the ensuing years, under Jim's leadership as President and CEO, Tulsa Plastics Company grew into a successful full-line distributor and custom fabricator, serving multiple clients across industries and geographies. A true family business, Jim built Tulsa Plastics with his brother and business partner, Tom. Jim's business philosophy was as simple as it was effective, superior customer service. Tulsa Plastics expanded through lasting relationships, integrity and trust. That is Jim's legacy.

While dedicated and diligent at work, Jim was equally committed to having a good time when away from the office. He was uniquely and sincerely enthusiastic about life. Outgoing and gregarious, Jim never met a stranger. He genuinely cared about people. Always smiling and cracking jokes, Jim had numerous close friendships, many spanning decades. He loved sharing a good meal, cold beer and laughs with his friends and family.

Whether playing a round of golf, sailing out at Grand Lake or just walking around the neighborhood with his treasured dogs, Jim stayed active and was full of energy. He always tried to get the most out of every single day, until the very end.

Above all else, Jim was a proud and devoted father and grandfather. He was their little league coach, mentor and advocate. He celebrated each of their milestones and accomplishments and incessantly bragged about them all.

A self-described "Deadhead," Jim was an avid fan of the Grateful Dead. As the lyric goes, "there is a road, no simple highway, between the dawn and dark of night." Jim Blakemore traveled that road with persistence, love and distinction. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his life partner, Bonnie Arnold; two sons, Bob Blakemore (wife, Lisa) and Raleigh Blakemore of Tulsa; one daughter, Sarah Blakemore of Los Angeles; two brothers, David Blakemore (partner, Cathy Rychel) and Tom Blakemore (wife, Lisa) of Tulsa; one sister, Amy Blakemore of Houston; and two grandsons, Brooks Blakemore of Norman, and Finley Blakemore of Tulsa.