Junior Burgess (J.B.) Worsham, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2023, after a brief illness.

J.B. was born on February 21, 1927, to Robert Burgess and Lillie O Worsham in Stilwell, Oklahoma. J.B. graduated from Stilwell High School and served in the United States Army during World War II.

On his 18th birthday in 1945, J.B. was drafted for service as a junior in high school and was on a ship in the Pacific when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. His unit was moved to Kobe, Japan, where he remained until his return to the United States in 1947. He graduated with the Stilwell Class of 1947.

J.B. worked at the Eagle Theater in Stilwell from grade school until he enlisted in the Army and then again briefly upon his return. He moved to Tulsa in 1949, worked for Texaco's West Tulsa Refinery in 1950, and became a machinist and insulator.  J.B. retired from Texaco in 1982 when it closed and then worked for Sinclair Oil, the new owner, from 1985 until his second retirement in 1990.  J.B. was a member of the University of Tulsa football chain gang for over 30 years, worked odd jobs during his retirement, and rarely sat still.

J.B. and Joyce (Young) married on February 11, 1961. They were married for 61 years and enjoyed a retirement full of travel, camping, and TU basketball games. They were very involved in their grandchildren's lives, attending many plays, games, and graduations.

J.B.'s own words sum up his life well, "I thank God every day for what I have, a loving wife, healthy and wonderful children, a gentle and loving son in law and two wonderful grandchildren." He loved playing golf, making whirly gigs for his yard, and working around the house and in the yard. A family friend shared that J.B. was an example to follow, "Keep active, take care of your spouse, travel, take care of your neighbors, know your neighbors, sit on the porch, love your family."

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert B. and Lillie O. Worsham, and his wife, Mary Joyce Young Worsham. He is survived by daughter Brenda Lou (Worsham) Pinson and husband John of Atascadero, California, daughter Susie Worsham Henning and husband Jeffrey of Tulsa, son James Burgess Worsham of Tulsa, and grandchildren Savanna Faith Henning of Nashville, Tennessee and Jake Henning of Fort Worth, Texas.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 20, at Stanley's at 3959 E. 31st St., Tulsa, and a graveside service will be on Friday, July 21, at 11:00 am at the Stilwell (OK) City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tulsa Cares.