James Otto Stevenson

James Otto Stevenson was born on January 12, 1932, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Clarence Otto and Mary E. Stevenson. He went to his eternal home on February 28, 2025. Jim attended Oklahoma City public schools, graduating in 1950. He then pursued studies in Electrical Engineering and Architecture at the University of Oklahoma. During this time, he was a member of the Air National Guard, but his education was interrupted when he was called to active duty with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. Stationed in Okinawa, Japan, his military service was cut short due to a medical condition, and he returned home to continue his education. He then studied drafting at OSU Okmulgee Tech, where he met Wanda Jessie Gasaway. The two married on May 29, 1954. Jim and Wanda began their life together in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, later living in Bartlesville, New Orleans, Muskogee, and finally settling in Wynnewood in 1967. They were married for 60 years and were blessed with four children: Karen Renae, who passed away shortly after birth; Mark Kevin; Gregory James; and Jeff Otto Stevenson. Jim led a fulfilling life as a businessman and entrepreneur. He owned several businesses, including the Savage Drive-In, Elmore City Lumber Yard, and Josco Home Center, which built many homes in the surrounding area—all while working full-time as a Mechanical Engineer at the Kerr-McGee Wynnewood Refinery. A dedicated member of his community, Jim was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, a state-licensed Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Contractor, and served on the Wynnewood Rural Water Board and the Wynnewood Chamber of Commerce. However, his most cherished role was serving as a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Wynnewood. After retiring from the Kerr-McGee Refinery in 1992, he and Wanda spent time traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Jim is survived by his sons, Mark Stevenson and wife Jackie, and Jeff Stevenson and wife Janet, all of Wynnewood, OK; eight grandchildren: Carl Howard and wife Heather, Cortni Hawkins and husband Scott, Chase Stevenson, Shane Collins, Brad Knighten and wife Amy , Tara Brown and husband Tim, Cale Stevenson and wife Chelsea, Brett Stevenson and wife Selena Riggle; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Percival of Oklahoma City. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda Stevenson; his daughter, Karen Stevenson; and his son, Greg Stevenson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Wynnewood, OK, with Wayne Wall officiating and under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home, Pauls Valley, OK. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Wynnewood, OK. Jim will be remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to family and community, and the lasting impact he made on those around him.

James Otto Stevenson

January 12, 1932 - February 28, 2025