James Keisman

James H. “Jim” Keisman, 81, of Pocola passed away May 26, 2020.

He was born July 23, 1938 at home in Huntington, AR, the sixth son of Gus & Farris (Looper) Keisman.

He attended school in Huntington and graduated from Mansfield High School in 1956. He was married to Sherry Marie Yates on October 25, 2003 in Pocola. Jim was retired Advertising Director for the Seminole Producer.

Jim spent 42 years in journalism, starting in advertising sales with Fort Smith Times Record in December 1956, Natchez in 1958, and Seminole Producer in 1959. He earned several distinguished awards in advertising and in Lions for volunteer service including the first Dr. Robert D. “Bob” McCullough Meritorious Award from Oklahoma Lions.

He was well known for his auctions and donated ‘rocks’ for Lions throughout Oklahoma. He served Lions 57 years, and was District Governor in 1977-1978, Past President and Treasurer for OLSF, and Melvin Jones Fellow, attended 15 International conventions and 4 USA/Canada Forums.

He was a member of the Pocola Trinity Baptist Church, Pocola Lions and Lions International lifetime member, and past member of the Oklahoma Press Association.

The hobby for which he received great recognition was his restored parking meters which he purchased entire stocks (over 5000 meters) as nine communities removed them from main streets throughout Oklahoma.

Jim is survived by wife, Sherry Marie; sons, Bryan (Sherry L.) Keisman of Seminole, OK, Brent (Cindy) Keisman of McKinney, TX; brother David (Nancy) Keisman of Ft. Smith, AR; sister, Mary Etta (Dale) Morey of Glendale, AZ; stepchildren, Kathy (Dale) Jetton of Pocola, OK, Joshua (Summer) Cockburn of Heavener, OK; grandchildren, Kimberly Houck, Chris Keisman, Samantha Dunkin, Megan Cooksey, Shelby Taylor, Seth Taylor, Grace Cockburn, Slayde Cockburn, Saint Davis; great grandchildren, Kaylee Jones, Braylen Jones, Rylan Jones, Jameson Dunkin, Kenzie Houck, Aria Jane Dunkin and Noah Cooksey; brother in law, Herb (Laverne) Smotherman. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Caroline Smotherman; twin sons, Michael Wayne & Mark Duane Keisman; brothers, Paul & Warren Looper, Oran & Gene Keisman.

Services will be 2 pm Friday, May 29, 2020 at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola, OK. Interment will be at Heavener Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be family. Honorary pallbearers will be Oklahoma Lions.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday evening at Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Pocola.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Trinity Baptist Team Kids.

We extend a special thank you to our Pocola Nursing Home family and Advantage Health and Hospice. ** Due to Covid please come to the viewing instead of the service to limit numbers for immediate family.