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Jim Curtis Burial & Memorial Fund

Jim Curtis, my dear friend’s father, passed away suddenly on November 17th. 

Many may recall Mr. Curtis from taking their senior pictures if you were from the Tulsa area, specifically Bixby, Jenks, or Broken Arrow.  He was very active in sports photography, especially wrestling tournaments in Oklahoma and on the national level.   Being a self-employed photographer, he did not have company life insurance.  Mr. Curtis had been battling health issues in recent years which were costly, and kept him from qualifying for personal, affordable life insurance. 


Anyone who knew him saw the example he set as a loving father, husband and servant in his church.  His children Michelle, Paula, Julie, Cliff and Jake are at a huge loss this holiday season without him.  They are given comfort knowing that he is reunited with their mom Marsha and their youngest brother Mark both of whom he cared for while they were on hospice care. 

Due to the costs involved, the memorial service and burial have been postponed until December 28th.   The holidays are not a time that his children should be worrying about funeral costs.  I would like to help them with these financial worries so they can concentrate on their own families and their grief.  I know 2020 has been a rough year on everyone.  If you are able to donate, I know they would appreciate every penny which will go toward his burial expenses.  If you can’t donate, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the coming months.   If you prefer to use Venmo rather than GoFundMe, a Venmo link has been created: @jimcurtismemorialfund.  His obituary is below:



James Howard Curtis, a resident of Broken Arrow, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at the age of 77.  He was born July 3, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He was the son of Spencer Curtis and Hermine Havron, Geraldine Curtis.  Jim grew up in the Salt Lake City area.  He attended East High School and graduated with the Class of 1961.  Jim and Marsha Ann Sundberg were united in marriage on August 25, 1962 in Sandy, Utah.  They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 17, 1965.  They celebrated 58 years of marriage.  During that time, they resided in the Salt Lake City area for 10 years and Bixby for the past 48 years. 

Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose greatest joy came from family and service to others.  He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cedar Ridge Ward in Broken Arrow where he served in many leadership positions throughout his life. Everyone has fond memories of him grilling, gardening, sharing stories of the past, his love and talent for photography.  In his spare time, Jim loved listening to audiobooks, repairing pretty much anything, watching OU football, enjoying a good movie, and spending time with his family and friends.

Jim, who photographed thousands of high school seniors for Bixby and several other schools in the Tulsa area, was affectionately known as “Mr. Creative.” His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include children, Michelle Alvstad and husband, Mike; Paula Callan and husband Arthur; Julie Kubal and husband, Sean; Clifford Curtis and wife, Heather; Jacob Curtis and wife, Christina.  His 18 grandchildren, Matthew Youngwirth and wife, Jessica; Danielle Youngwirth, Duff Callan, Macie Callan, Ethan Callan, Capri Callan, Andrew Kubal, Noah Kubal, Malori Kubal, Taylor Curtis, Hailey Curtis, Emmi Curtis, Carter Curtis, Devin Curtis, Sydney Curtis, Owen Curtis, Mason Curtis, Elise Curtis, and his 3 great-grandchildren, Oliva Youngwirth, Jude Youngwirth, and Arthur Callan V. Also survived by brothers, Russ Curtis, Thomas Crawford, Richard Curtis, David Curtis, Tracy Curtis and sisters, Shierly Crawford, Becky Leishman, Christine Allgood, Patricia Curtis-Ostler, Cassie Brandeberry, Dee Dee Curtis, Lisa Curtis and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marsha, son Mark, parents Spencer Curtis and Hermine Havron, Geraldine Curtis, his siblings Michael Crawford, Kathy Crawford, Bruce Curtis, and Jennifer Rogers who were all there to welcome Jim home.

A gravesite dedicatory service will be held for the family on Monday, December 28, 2020 at the Bixby Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held later that same day at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1701 N. Hickory Place Broken Arrow, OK 74012 (time to be determined).

In lieu of flowers, donations to assist with burial costs may be made to the following Venmo account: @jimcurtismemorialfund.

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Donations 

  • Diana Nevins
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Patricia Curtis Ostler
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Brian Buehner
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Whitney Curtis
    • $25 
    • 3 yrs
  • Tracy Judy
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Gina-Wade Hunter
Organizer
Glenpool, OK
Julie Kubal
Beneficiary

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