James Beverly Britton

Jan. 6, 1944

James “Jim” Beverly Britton was born on January 6, 1944 in Sentinel, Oklahoma to John and Montez (McBride) Britton. He attended Dill City Schools through 7th grade then moved to Cordell schools in the 8th grade graduating from Cordell High School in 1962. He delighted in participating in sports especially football and was so proud of his time on the field. Jim relished his many decades of continued friendships with his buddies from school especially reminiscing about the havoc that wreaked. In case you’re curious, CHS senior class trips ended in 1962.

Draw your own conclusion about that.

From as early as he could remember, Jim followed his father on plumbing jobs throughout western Oklahoma. When driving through random parts of Washita or Kiowa county, he would point out houses where he and his father installed indoor plumbing. He would comment on something funny or difficult about each job. Following high school, Jim worked alongside his father and trained with the Army National Guard all the while attending college. After eight years, he graduated with a degree in business from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

On June 5, 1971, he married ZoAnne McMillin. They were married for 33 years before her passing in 2004. To this union two children were born - Kimberly and Eric. Jim was very proud of his kids, their spouses and his grandchildren. He would love to tell anyone about it who would listen.

In the early eighties, Jim embarked on a decades- long banking career that would see him working at Cordell National Bank then First Capital Bank. In 2005, He retired from banking as President of Gold Bank in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

After ZoAnne’s passing, Jim moved to Houston, Texas to care for his sister, then decided to take a leap of faith to fulfill a bucket list item - learning Spanish. He obtained a temporary apartment near a language school in Antigua, Guatemala for a few weeks. Jim enjoyed his time down there so much he eventually moved to a lakeside mountain community called Panajachel.

During his six years there he enjoyed the mild climate, culture, and the food. While there he began his hobby of drawing beautiful flowers and nature scenes he found during his outings. His art carried him through his final years as mobility became more difficult. As the covid pandemic began, Jim moved to the DFW area eventually settling in Mansfield, Texas. Over the last two and half years he enjoyed spending time with family. Jim relished having BOTH kids and their families within 1 hour driving distance at the SAME time. This was the first time since 2005 and he loved it.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife ZoAnne Britton, parents John and Montez Britton, brother Coy Britton all formerly of Cordell. Sister Joyce Longoria, formerly of Houston, Texas. Nephew Coy Don Britton, formerly of Oklahoma City.

Jim is survived by his children Kimberly Brown (Matt) and Eric Britton (Marissa). Grandchildren Luke Brown, Olivia Brown, Ethan Britton, Riley Britton and Austin Britton. Cousin and friend, Don Britton (Sue), of Edmond, Oklahoma. Brother- in-law and friend Patrick McMillin, of Pearland, Texas. Nieces Cheri Phelps, Cindy Sellers, and Faythe McMillin, of Oklahoma City. Nephews Carl Britton, of Oklahoma City, and Grey Adkins of Dill City, Oklahoma.

A graveside service is scheduled for 10am on Saturday, May 4th at Lawnview Cemetery in Cordell.