James Haskell Baldridge

James Haskell Baldridge, 89, of Prague, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2020. James was born on July 13, 1930 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Wilburn James and Leora (Rice) Baldridge. James married Reva Stastny on October 7, 1983. James always said that he grew up in the school of hard knocks. Being the oldest child in the family when his Dad became sick, he had to quit school to help make the living for the family by planting crops and seeing over everything. He loved to play basketball and even though he was shorter than your usual basketball player he was quick and could make the points for his team. James enlisted in the United States Army in 1950. He was a part of the 279 Regiment and was a tank commander in the Korean War. Where he proudly served his country. He said he would proudly do it again to keep the United States from seeing the starving children in Korea and some of the many things he saw. In 1953 he returned to Oklahoma where he held various jobs. He was a talented carpenter for many years. He loved making things of wood and building houses. In 1960 he felt God calling him into the ministry, and he felt this became his greatest vocation. His first church that he pastored was Prague Assembly of God. Then he pastored in Blanchard, Wainwright, Crescent, Enid, Henryetta, Byars and Cromwell. At the time of his death he was associated with the Assembly of God Church in Prague and was an Associate Pastor. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Audy Baldridge; a sister, Jametta Heard. James is survived by his wife Reva Baldridge of 36 years; 6 children; Stevenia Welch, Norman, OK; Darvin Baldridge, Prague, OK; Clayton Stastny and wife Melissa, Paden, OK; Regenia Grow and husband Steve, Norman, OK; Loren Stastny, Shawnee, OK; Valarie Baldridge, Norman, OK; As well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.