James Arvis McDonald

James Arvis McDonald passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Bradbury Commons in Ponca City, Oklahoma. James was born on July 21, 1941, in Vinita, Oklahoma, the son of Vivian (Smith) and Bryan McDonald. James is survived by his daughter Kellie Hutto of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and son Patrick McDonald (Lora) of Sherwood, Arkansas.

James is survived by five grandsons Benjamin Hutto of Franklin, TN; Brian Hutto (Rebecca) of Knoxville, TN; Samuel Hutto (Mackenzie) of Franklin, TN; Austin McDonald (Erin) of Leander, TX and Jonathan McDonald of Dallas, TX. Eight great grandchildren Levi Hutto, Belle Hutto, Evie James Hutto, Jennings Hutto, Brady Hutto, Harrison McDonald, Blair Hutto and Warren Hutto. By his sister Dona Brown of Midwest City, OK; sister-in-law Benna Bivins (John) of Claremore, OK.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Glydene; his daughter Kimberly; seven brothers, one sister and one great grandson Samuel McDonald.

James graduated from Vinita High School in 1959. He attended Northeastern Oklahoma Jr. College in Miami, OK graduating in 1961. He graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He received his Master of Business Administration Degree from Phillips University, Enid, OK in 1982.

In 1963, James began his career with Continental Oil Company’s Tax Department in Ponca City. He retired from Conoco in 2003. James was a member of the First Baptist Church where he serviced as a deacon and assisted Glydene with the special needs class.

James worked hard his entire life, starting as a young boy delivering newspapers, working at a grocery store during high school and working for a construction company while in college. He served as an interim pastor for many churches in Kay County. He loved and supported his family and wanted everyone he encountered to know the love of Jesus Christ and to trust Him as their Savior.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview, Ponca City, OK. A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church in Ponca City on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and service following at 11:00 a.m.

Our family wants to give special thanks to Jan and Steve McKay, Michelle and David Baskin and Gerald Wilson for their love, support and prayers in these last years.