James 'Steve' Short, of Oklahoma City, passed away in Tulsa, OK April 2, 2024, at the age of 72.

Steve was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 19, 1951, to William J. Short, Jr. and Marion Ruth Short. He attended John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City and graduated in the class of 1969. Steve was a competitive swimmer for Kerr McGee Oil Company during high school and went on to attend Drury University in Springfield, Missouri on a swimming scholarship. He also attended Oklahoma State University and was an avid OSU Cowboy fan.

Steve spent his career opening country clubs and restaurants in Texas and Oklahoma City. He definitely knew food and beverage well, volunteering at the OKC Food Bank. He also had the opportunity to work as a Mud Engineer with a great friend and sold computer storage in Oklahoma City before retirement.

Steve loved to play golf in his later years of life. He was a great friend to many and maintained relationships with his high school classmates throughout his life. He was a wonderful brother with a kind heart. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his daughter, Katelyn Ruth Short, and fiancé Branen Kirtley, his siblings, David W. (Carrie) Short and Susan Short Bacon. Steve is also survived by his niece and nephews, Lauren Short Lambright, Ian Short, James Bacon, and Alexander Bacon, as well as his aunt, Marilyn Short Thompson, and uncle Michael 'Mike' Short.

The family would like to thank Steve's' friends and caregivers for their contributions to his life. You all are greatly appreciated.

For those interested, and in lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Steve's honor to First Tee – Metro Oklahoma City at 600 N. Martin Luther King, P.O. Box 2381, Oklahoma City, OK 73101.

In memory of Steve, there will be a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at The Tasting Room (4322 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, 73118) from 5:30- 7:30pm.