Rev. Jimmie D Koons

Rev. Jim D Koons, Sr. (age 90) went to be with his Savior and Lord on May 21, 2026 at The Journey Home surrounded by his family. Jim was born to Nebraska farmers, Glenn and Hallie Koons on November 10, 1935 on their farm near Holbrook, Nebraska. A sister, Carol, welcomed him into their home. They were joined by another sister, Mary Sue, ten years later. Jim began his schooling at Holbrook, Nebraska and during the fourth grade the family moved near Arapahoe, Nebraska where Jim graduated from high school in 1953. He had given his life to Christ early in his childhood at age 9. Although Jim dearly loved the farm and planned to devote his life to farming, remaining "a farmer at heart" throughout his life, the Lord called him into pastoral ministry during a revival meeting in McCook, Nebraska in 1956. In the summer of 1956, Jim was married to Raymounda Lee Schleeman and they established their home on the family farm, where Jim assisted his father on the farm as well as working in town in the grocery business and assisting his pastor in his new found calling. During this time, two children were born; Ruth Ann in 1957 and Jimmie, Jr in 1959. Jim pastored a small church at Haigler, Nebraska "just long enough to know he needed to get to college". So, in 1961 the family moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where Jim attended Central Pilgrim College (now Oklahoma Wesleyan University) graduating in 1965 in pastoral ministry. During this time of going to school full time, Jim also worked for Reda Pump Company for 3½ years. He often mentioned that these were some of the best years of his life, holding President Norman Bonner and his professors in high esteem and making friends with the student body, many of whom served the Lord in pastoral work and overseas missions around the world. During their time in Bartlesville, a third child was born - William George (Bill) in 1963. After graduation in 1965, Jim and Raymounda pastored in Lamar, Colorado from 1965- 1972; in Clarkston, Washington from 1972-1988; in Grisham, Oregon from 1988-1994; and in Hermiston, Oregon from 1994-1999. Jim often remarked that it was such an honor to lift up the Lord Jesus Christ in his sermons and to see his congregations grow in the Lord. He was also active in ministerial alliances, prison ministry and hospital and nursing home chaplaincy programs. Over those years, Jim and Raymounda's children had moved back to the Kansas/ Oklahoma area so in 1999, they retired and move to Bartlesville/Ochelata so they could be close to children and grandchildren. Jim often said this may have been their wisest move because Raymounda got to be a hands-on grandma. She only lived 5 more years after that move, passing away in 2004 due to complications of diabetes. In retirement, Jim worked for Koons Properties and kept active at First Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville, being a part of the pastoral care team, a greeter and growth group leader. He spent his entire pastoral ministry career in the Wesleyan denomination - remaining a loyal member and supporter of his church in many ways. He also officiated the weddings for 9 of his grandchildren. In 2005, the Lord brought a new love into Jim's life. He and Linda Ennis were married March 13, 2005 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. They were able to enjoy retirement life on the little 3 acre 'ranch' which Jim, named "Blue Gables". He loved keeping the property mowed and trimmed and looking its best. They also enjoyed many activities with the grandkids and pulling the 5th-wheel camper out to various campsites. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Mary Sue and Carol, his wife Raymounda, as well as his brothers-n-law, Bob Sander and Bob Singley. Survivors include his wife Linda of the family home in Ochelata; daughter Ruth Ann (Tom) Doviak of Carbondale, KS; son Jim Jr (Brenda) of Ochelata; son Bill (Shauna) of Halstead, KS; 'bonus' sons Joshua Ennis (Crystal) and Matthew Ennis (Jennifer) of Bartlesville; 26 grandchildren; 13 grandchildren by marriage; 39 great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Betty Beals of Ochelata; sisters-n-law, Sharon Gummere of Straton, Nebraska and Shirley Sledge of Phoenix, AZ and numerous other extended family members. Jim loved Jesus, his family, his church, all people, home ("there's no place like home"), farming, "cutting grass", John Deere tractors (big and small), hymns, Gaither music, tacos, hot hamburgers (especially Eggberts), biscuits/gravy (every Friday morning), chicken fried steak and snicker candy bars. We already miss him SO much!! Memorial service will be held at the First Wesleyan Church on May 29, 2026 at 10:00AM Memorials may be made to First Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma or The Journey Home in Bartlesville, OK.

Rev. Jimmie D Koons

November 10, 1935 - May 21, 2026