James Ralph Zachary Jr. of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at his home at the age of 78 years.

James Ralph Zachary was born on August 9, 1940, in Briartown, Oklahoma, to James Ralph and Mabel Ruby (Hoose) Zachary Sr. In 1943 he moved with his family to Blackwell where he grew up and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1958. He furthered his education by attending Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa. Following his education he entered the Oklahoma National Guard serving with the 45 ^th unit for six years. He worked for the Blackwell Zinc Company and later for the Acme Foundry. During this time he also farmed in Kay County. In 1988 he moved to Rogers, Arkansas, where he worked for Superior Wheels. In 2006 he moved to Fairfax to make his home before returning to Blackwell in 2014. He was a member of the Blackwell Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elk's Lodge. He enjoyed the senior citizens meals, but his passion was fishing and making his own jigs which he shared with others.

He is survived by two sisters, Fredia Moses and husband Richard of Blackwell and Kathy LaBlue and husband Dan of Blackwell; a brother, Fred Zachary and wife Phyllis of Guthrie, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 11 ^th in the First Christian Church in Blackwell with Rev. Jeff Koch of the First Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Fredie Zachary, Teddy Zachary, Eddie Brown, Brent LaBlue, Zac Brown and Russ Pendleton. Serving as honorary casketbeares will be Jerry Magers, Jim McKee, Max Smyth, Dick Gurley, Rod Beuttel and Bill Simpson.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the First Christian Church for funeral dinners in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma   74631.