Jimm Renfrow

Jimmy Ray Renfrow, age 74, of Anadarko, Oklahoma was called home to eternal rest on January 4, 2023. Jimm was born on May 30, 1948 and was the youngest son of Elza and Esther (Thomasson) Renfrow, both of Caddo County. Jimm had nine siblings, all of whom were raised farming in the Anadarko area. He attended school in Stecker, as well as Anadarko, and was drafted into the Army in 1968. He served as a Combat Medic in Vietnam and was honorably discharged upon the completion of his service.Jimm worked in various trades over his life including agriculture, carpentry, painting, heavy equipment, and long-haul trucking. Shortly after Jimm returned from Vietnam, he joined a harvest crew that cut wheat in Oklahoma and followed the cutting season through Kansas, Nebraska, South and North Dakota. Having grown up farming, Jimm led the crew and offered experience and perspective for the younger crew members, some who were right out of high school. He was a friend and reassuring presence as the harvest ventured further and further from home. Being a recent Vietnam vet at the time, he fascinated and educated everyone with stories of his war experience. Those who knew and worked with Jimm in those early days remained friends for life. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Karla Mae Kovar, in New England, North Dakota. She took a leap of faith and followed him back to Oklahoma where they married in 1973. Karla was Jimm's partner and his rock. Together they journeyed through the sunshine, as well as the storms. To this union, their only son, Christopher Caine, was born in 1974.Jimm loved music and started entertaining at an early age. His earliest stage was the kitchen table where he sang "Old Slouch Hat" for the family. When he was 11 years old, he made his first public appearance with his oldest brother, Dale, singing on the radio. He wrote and played music all his life and inspired many others to do the same.Through music, Jimm developed many meaningful friendships, but the bond he had with Jimmy Rogers was special. Jimm loved him like a brother. They jammed together for decades, and while the music changed over the years, they were steadfast friends through many joys and sorrows. After Jimmy's passing, his wife Dianne remained a close friend until the end. Aside from his passion for music, Jimm's pleasure was simple, home and family. He was often seen sitting on his front porch having a smoke, watching the birds, and greeting all who passed by. He enjoyed his garden in the summer, especially the tomatoes, and loved sharing his secrets to success with friends and family. At Karla's behest AND direction, Jimm took much pride in the many home improvement projects they completed. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. There were many trips to places, cold and warm, as Pappy and Nana enjoyed the pleasures of being grandparents.In retirement, Jimm was devoted to his routine of morning coffee at Fishes-n-Loaves. He so enjoyed the company and conversation, that he returned later each day for lunch. Bobbie Plummer and his American Legion friends meant so much in his later years. Survivors include his wife Karla, daughter Tracie (Marvin), son Chris (Karla Jr.), sister Shirley (Chet), grandchildren Margaret, Stephany, Kylle, Kinley, and Jake; great-grandson Stephan, many in-laws and extended family, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.Jimm was preceded in death by his parents, Elza and Esther; his first wife, Margaret Ann; brothers Dale, George, Jerry, and Rick; sisters Anita, Jean, Mona, and Kathy; and great granddaughter Amy.Visitation will begin on Friday, January 20, 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and on Saturday, January 21, 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Smith Funeral Home.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, January 22, at Smith Funeral Chapel. Honorary pall bearers will be Jimmy Rogers (in spirit), Dianne Rogers, Mick Plunk, Ron Langmacher, Glen Price, and Bobbie Plummer.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jimm's honor to the Caddo County Veterans Honor Trees Project, American Legion Post 24, PO Box 1262, Anadarko, OK 73005.

Jimm Renfrow

May 30, 1948 - January 4, 2023

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