J.B. Pumphrey

J. Brooks Pumphrey died peacefully at his home in Muskogee on February 15, 2022. He was born in 1930 in Fall River, Kansas to Lewis and Vandella Pumphrey. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Frances “Frankie” Pumphrey; and sons, Roy (Wanda) Pumphrey and Craig (Jeanine) Pumphrey. He is also survived by grandchildren, Cara, Graham, Jenaca, Britt, Erika and Joel; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. J. was preceded in death by his daughter, Wanda Lea Pumphrey; grandson, Bryan Pumphrey; his parents; his brothers, Joseph and Lewis “Doc”; and sisters, Helen, Janette, and Shirley. After graduating from high school in Fall River, J. ran heavy machinery for construction of roads and dams before beginning a career in law enforcement. He joined the Wichita (KS) Police Department and served for 20 plus years, rising to the rank of lieutenant. When he retired from the WPD, he and Frankie moved to Ft. Gibson, OK, where he built their home in the country. J. and Frankie enjoyed their horses and trail rides with friends. He also tried his hand at raising longhorn cattle, goats, pigs and chickens. J. loved tinkering with his tractors and other machinery, and was always glad to lend a hand, his many tools, or his tractor to help out a neighbor in need. His grandchildren have fond memories of riding horses, feeding the animals and fishing in the pond Grandpa stocked. J. delighted in teaching them to drive. In retirement, J. also worked for a number of years as a trucker. He had many stories about driving big rigs across the US, often with Frankie at his side. After retiring again, J. and Frankie took a dream trip to Alaska, driving an RV and enjoying wonderful adventures during their weeks on the road. Back in OK, he continued to collect tools and put his mechanical, construction and problem-solving skills to use. He also enjoyed baseball, old Westerns and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball. J. and Frankie were blessed with dear friends James and Jo Ann, Barbara and Eugene, JW and Ginger, Wilmer and Sue, and faithful church friends, among others. The friends enjoyed weekly card games, short road trips, and good food together and continued to provide support as J’s health failed. J. was a member of Eastern Heights Baptist Church, Muskogee, OK. No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be given to Pleasant Valley Care Center or Seasons Hospice.

J.B. Pumphrey

November 26, 1930 - February 15, 2022