James Kenneth Seckel, age 72, was born on November 19, 1951, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Kenneth and Imogene Seckel.  He passed away peacefully at his home in Shawnee on February 17, 2024, after a lengthy illness.  He attended Lee Elementary School, Johnson Elementary School, and Shawnee High School.  He joined the Army at age 17, and completed Airborne training, alongside his brother Ron, at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1969.  James held a variety of jobs over his lifetime, including construction, concrete and he was a proficient welder.  He worked at TDK and Louder Transportation in Shawnee for a few years.  He loved riding motorcycles and had many scars to prove it.  He loved to laugh.  His favorite pastime was visiting with friends and telling stories.  He enjoyed collecting pocketknives and swords, polishing brass, and watching wildlife.  He enjoyed music almost as much as his pets.  His dog Sophie brought him much joy. James never met a stranger.  He will be missed by many.  He came to know the Lord in 1981 while at Lexington.  He loved Jesus and is now spending his eternity with him in heaven.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Freda Kay Seckel; stepson Joshua Keys; stepdaughter Genia Wright; Brother-in-laws Wayne Wilson, and Donnell Kalivoda; and nephews Tony Webb, Kenny Webb, and Jimmy Dale Kalivoda.

James is survived by his wife Janell Howell Seckel, of Shawnee; his daughter, Heather and son-in-law Dean Bass; and grandchildren, Brooklyn, Jake, Taylor, and Britton Bass all of Oklahoma City; Stepsons, Wesley Howell, of Kellyville, Oklahoma, and Jesse Keys, of Shawnee; Stepdaughters, Sandy Motl, of  Shawnee, and Danna Sherrill, of Tulsa; Sisters, Jeanie Wilson, of Shawnee, and Kathy Kalivoda, of Tecumseh; Brother, Ron and wife Janet Seckel, of Shawnee;  Brothers, Dan and Don Tuggle, of California; Aunt Pat Fry, of California; his nephew, Scooter Webb who held a special place in his heart; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends, and his beloved dog Sophie.

James final resting place will be at Johnson Cemetery near his father and sister.

A gathering of family and friends to remember James will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) Reunion Hall-North, 1702 Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of McElyea and Owens Funeral Group – Shawnee.