Final Salute

Jimmy Lee “Jim” Kyle

The son of the late Virgil Eugene Kyle and Dorothy Opal (Keith) Kyle, Jim was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on July 5, 1950, and passed away on October 23, 2026, in an Oklahoma City hospital at the age of 76 years, 3 months, and 28 days.

Jim served his country in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam, earning the Nation Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, and Marksman Rifle badge. Being Honorably discharged from active service, he continued serving his country in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, US Navy Seabees, and US Army Reserve. Jim was a proud and patriotic American.

Jim grew up in Ardmore and graduated from Dickson High School and later went on to trade school for welding. He was retired from Tinker Air Force Base where he was a welder. Jim loved horses and shared many stories from his teen years of his friends and their adventures while riding south of Ardmore and at Lake Murray. He enjoyed working in the yard, spending time with family (especially if there was food involved), talking politics and faith. He also contributed regularly to many charities, St. Jude being one of many he cared deeply for. He was of the Baptist faith and professed the LORD JESUS as his savior.

He leaves to cherish his memories: Katrina (Kyle) Esteph, eldest daughter and husband Lonnie of Ardmore. Grandchildren Kristan, Kourtny, and Blake Edwards. 4 great grands and one great-great-grandson. Jessica (Kyle) Wallace, youngest daughter, Moore, OK. Grandchildren Aaron Dolney U.S. Navy Israel, Nathan Dolney and Adriana Wallace of the home. Eldest son Jeffery Rodgers and wife Charity of Andrews TX, and grandchildren Bradyn, Cory, Caleb, Hailly, Chelsea, and Royalty. Plus 14 great grands.  His cousin Donna Gothard as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins of the Ford, Keith, Kyle, and Christian families of Southern Oklahoma. Very special friends and his closest neighbors who were very loved and appreciated Dillion, Amber, Laikyn, Faith, Kaden, Kynlie whom he (cherished greatly). He also survived by Yvonne and David Thornburg and Debbie Brewer and other extended family members.  He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene and mother, Dorothy Opal as well as his youngest son, Jerome.

Pallbearers will be: Lonnie Esteph, Blake Edwards, Sheldon Edwards, Jeff Rodgers, Dillon Turpin, and Caleb Rodgers.

The family will be receiving friends Thursday evening from 6-7 pm at the Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 30, 2026 in the Harvey-Douglas Centennial Chapel with interment to follow at Lone Grove Cemetery.