James Alexander Raglin

James A. Raglin, 83, of Harrah, Oklahoma, passed away on March 10, 2016. James was born in Oklahoma City on April 10, 1932, to James Alexander Raglin, Sr. and Rhoda Catherine Thoms. He was the only son with five older sisters, all of which preceded him in death. James graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1950 where he excelled in athletics, particularly track, basketball, and football, setting several track records and helping achieve a state football championship. He went on to play basketball for the legendary Abe Lemons at Oklahoma City University. After High School he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego. Assigned to the U.S.S. Essex, he participated in Operation Ivy, witnessing the first successful detonation of a hydrogen bomb at Eniwetok Atol in the Marshall Islands. After discharge, he attended Central State College where he received his BS in Education in 1959, and his Masters degree in 1968. James is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Vella Jean (Rhodes) Raglin, their sons, James Michael Blankenship (Debbie), Michael Duane Raglin (Arlene), James David Raglin (Anita), Jonathan Andrew Raglin (Sara) and one daughter, Linn Denise Probasco (Jeff). James began his teaching career in 1959 in Perry, OK. Three years later he moved to Central HS in Oklahoma City working as a teacher, coach and counselor. In 1967 he took a position as counselor at Star Spencer HS. He went on to become assistant principal at Classen HS in 1972. James stayed at Classen until 1976, then took advantage of the opportunity to return to his home town of Harrah. For the next 14 years he served as vice principal and athletic director of HHS, retiring in 1990. James was an avid fisherman and successfully plied his trade on the helpless bass in the ponds and lakes of OK. He also played a mean game of wallyball. If you were on the opposing court you know how competitive he was. He played the sport weekly until he was 73. He maintained his lifelong friendship with his buddies in Capitol Hill for the past twenty years. With his sons in tow, they enjoyed Tuesday hot dogs at Coney Island religiously. James loved babies. Their innocence would fill him with tears. Luckily enough there were plenty to go around, 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Harrah, OK, where he served as a Deacon for 50 years. He will be laid to rest at Dale Cemetery, 36406 Westech Rd, Shawnee, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.