James Randy Jolley

James Randy Jolley, 73, of Choctaw passed away unexpectedly in his home on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He was born on January 16, 1952, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to James Albert Jolley and Alice Maxine (Merrill) Jolley. After graduating high school in Asher, OK, J.R., also known as Randy, proudly served his country as an operations specialist third class in the United States Navy from November 25, 1975, to November 24, 1981. He also worked as a chef at a hotel, served as a corrections officer, and for many years drove a truck across the U.S.A. Even when retired, he was always looking for opportunities to work, despite his health challenges.

He married his wife, Judy Mae (Peden) Jolley on February 12, 1994. They rededicated their lives to the Lord on August 22, 1993, and were baptized on August 21, 1994. They welcomed two foreign exchange students to their home from Albania, who became part of their extended family. During their 31-year marriage, Judy and J.R. served the Lord wholeheartedly and through Wings of Mercy, they fostered over 45 children and adopted three of the foster children. J.R. had an unmatched work ethic, strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and a generous heart.

He enjoyed cooking, baking, having family over, celebrating holidays, birthdays, and special events. He will always be remembered for the delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts and his scrumptious desserts. He also enjoyed watching western movies, reading western novels, and telling dad jokes was one of his favorites.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his daughter Jolie Michelle Jolley, granddaughter ZhoLie Ahnna Jolley, brother LaVon Jolley and sisters: Sonja, Vickie and Pamela (PJ).

Those left to honor his memory and grieve his passing include: his wife, Judy Mae Jolley; son James Patrick Jolley, daughter Amber Nichole Jolley (children from previous marriage); Joseph Jolley, Anthony Jolley, and Jade Jolley; brother and sister-in-law: G. Roger and Judy Jolley as well as his extended family/other adopted children Greis Harzheim and husband Joseph Harzheim, Paola Demba, and Gerta Preci; grandchildren: Abigail Jolley, Gabriel Jolley, Maximus Jolley, Gabrielle Harzheim, Isabel Harzheim, J.P. Harzheim, Elizabeth Harzheim, Brianna Demba, Alexia Demba, Noa Preci and Luke Preci, and great-grandchildren: Emelia, Kora, Arvy, Izabell, Cassidy, and Hunter.

He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Friends may greet the family 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the funeral home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Harrah First Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery of Choctaw.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolence may be made at www.asasmith.net