James Coy Minton Jr.

James “Sonny” or “Jim” Coy Minton Jr., 76, passed away on December 9, 2024, in Tulsa, OK. Born on November 5, 1948, in Saltville, VA, Jim was the son of James Coy Minton, Sr., and Lois Marguerite Swartz. He grew up in Saltville alongside his siblings Colleen, Ann, David, Vicky, and Rick. Jim met the love of his life, Michelle Rene Alleman, in February 1996 in Oakland, CA. The two were married on April 26, 2003, in Saltville, VA, and shared a beautiful journey of love and partnership. Together, they built a life filled with family, adventure, and joy. Jim was the proud father of six children: Michael Steven Minton of Richmond, VA, Kim Jean Caldwell of Goodview, VA, Allyson Nicolle Clemons of Fort Worth, TX, Kelly Rader Murphy of Frisco, TX, James Cory Minton of Cottonwood Heights, UT, and Kyle Ian Alleman Minton of Bartlesville, OK. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense pride and joy to his life. Professionally, Jim was a visionary technologist leading the earliest developments of modern data systems and retired as a data systems architect. In retirement, he found fulfillment as a school bus driver for Bartlesville Public Schools, where he developed a deep connection with the children he drove each day. His compassion and care for the students on his bus were often the highlight of his conversations. Jim was an avid adventurer, hardworking protector and a dedicated provider, known for his quiet wisdom and impeccable ability to rationalize and resolve problems. Whether offering advice or simply listening, his thoughtful perspective was cherished by all who knew him. Beyond his professional and family life, Jim had a wide array of interests. A muscle car enthusiast in his early years, he later found joy in woodworking, wine, and travel. His talent for creating beautiful, practical spaces in his family’s home—from custom kitchens to elegant wooden decks—reflected his skill and love for craftsmanship. Jim loved animals, especially his beloved dogs, and he was deeply committed to his faith in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible. His life was a testament to his values of love, hard work, and devotion. Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His life was a beacon of light to his family and all who knew him. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Eastern Heights Baptist Church in Bartlesville, OK at 5:30PM on Friday, December 13, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to either Tunnel To Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/), two organizations Jim supported and whose missions he loved. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.

James Coy Minton Jr.

November 5, 1948 - December 9, 2024