James Leslie Harrod

James Leslie Harrod, resident of Shawnee, OK passed away on May 10, 2023 surrounded by family and friends at the young age of 83.  James was born on October 6, 1939, in Seminole, Oklahoma to Haskell Charles Harrod and Mesa Daphne Houck Harrod.  James is survived by his three sisters, Jean Gholston, Sue Wallace and Sharon Rouse, his significant other, Mary Jo Brown, two daughters, Christie Crawford and Jody Akehurst, five grandchildren, Lindsey Crawford, Michael Warren, Cody Crawford, Alisha Akehurst and Kylee Akehurst and three great-grandchildren.

James graduated from Seminole High School in 1958. He attended East Central University where he received his Bachelor of Education degree. He received his master’s degree from Oklahoma University and his degree in Education from Oklahoma State University. James was an avid member of the OSU Posse and enjoyed attending as many football games with family and friends as he could.  

James served in public schools for over 30 years in many capacities ranging from being a Physics teacher to Superintendent of schools. In 1979 he opened Harrod Construction in Seminole, Oklahoma and then Harrod Electric in 1996 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

James served his community as a member of the Kiwana’s and was very proud to have earned the 32^nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was also a Past Master of Composite Lodge 107. The Masonic Lodge was something he took great pride in to pay tribute to his father who was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He served as City Commissioner for 12 years and was a member of numerous other civic organizations. He was always trying to give back to the community he loved.

Viewing will begin on Tuesday, May 16^th and continue through Wednesday, May 17^th at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service, 201 E 45^th St., Shawnee, Oklahoma. A funeral ceremony to honor the life of James Harrod will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 E. Independence St., Shawnee, OK. Following the ceremony, he will be laid to rest at Rest Haven Cemetery with his mom and dad in Seminole, OK.