James R. Tidmore, II

Dr. James R. Tidmore, II, beloved husband, father, papa, brother, and uncle, passed away on October 5, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was born January 11, 1949, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to James R. and Mary Ellen Tidmore.  He grew up in Meeker, Oklahoma, alongside his sisters Donna Lee Tidmore Paddyaker and Carol Jean Tidmore Nelson.

James was a graduate of Meeker High School – Class of 1967.  He attended Meeker schools all 12 years except for one semester at Odessa High School in 1965 and two semesters at Enid High School in 1966. He returned to his beloved hometown, Meeker, for his senior year where he played basketball and was a member of the band, playing the saxophone. 

After graduating from high school, James attended Central State University (now UCO) in Edmond, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1971 and a Master of Education in 1978.  In 1997, James earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Oklahoma.

Midwest City - Del City Public Schools employed James from 1971 to 1988 as a Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director.  James was employed by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) from 1988 until his retirement in 2006.  He held various positions at CLEET including Coordinator, Investigator, Supervisor, Curriculum Specialist, Manager of Training, and Standards Division Manager.  After retiring from CLEET, he was employed by the Driver License Division of the Department of Public Safety as the Lead Desk Top Support from 2006 to 2021.

James married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Kathryn Lynn Burrahm, on December 11, 1970 at Morning Star Baptist Church, Meeker, Oklahoma.  They had their first date on December 31, 1966 when Jim was a senior and Kathryn was a freshman.  They lived in Del City, Midwest City, Norman, and most recently Edmond.  They have one son, Kyle James Tidmore, of whom James could not have been more proud.

James is survived by his devoted wife of almost 53 years, Kathryn Tidmore.  He is also survived by his son, Kyle James Tidmore, daughter-in-law, Raelynn Tidmore, grandson, Karsten James Tidmore, and granddaughter, Sophia Rae Tidmore.  In addition, he is survived by his sister, Donna Paddyaker, sister, Carol Jean Nelson, sister-in-law, Jane Lauderdale, nephew, Joshua Nelson and wife Tiffany, nephew, Daren Paddyaker and wife Kim, niece, Lori Pecore and husband Bob, several great nephews, great nieces, and many friends.  Last, but not least, James is survived by his two poodles, Abby and Penny, whom he loved dearly.

A memorial ceremony to celebrate the life of James will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Meeker First Baptist Church in Meeker, Oklahoma.

James will be laid to rest during a private family burial at New Hope Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service in Shawnee, Oklahoma.