Jimmy ("Jim"; "J.D.") Dale Ames passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at StoneCreek Assisted Living in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 95 years, 2 months and 13 days. He was born on October 5, 1928, in Thomas, Oklahoma to Archie and Bertha (Haggard) Ames.

Jim grew up in Thomas and graduated from Thomas High School in 1946. After high school he attended Southwestern State College in Weatherford, Oklahoma where he received a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1950. Jim also lettered as a member of the Southwestern wrestling team.

After college, Jim continued working for his father at the Magnolia service station in Thomas. Jim, along with his longtime friend Ross Pickens, soon purchased the station, expanded operations and created Ames & Pickens Oil Company. They ran a successful business for 35 years. They also farmed and raised cattle and continued to do so after selling the business.

Jim married Eileen Helzer on her birthday, June 3 in 1949, in Thomas, Oklahoma. They were happily married for 68 years until her passing in 2017. Jim was a member of the First Christian Church of Thomas. He was a 32nd degree Mason. He enjoyed boating and taught many local youths how to water ski. He also enjoyed motorcycling and flying. Jim knew the meaning of hard work, saving, and living within one's means. He was dedicated to his family, community, church, and the educational attainment of his children and grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Eileen, parents Archie and Bertha Ames, and one newborn brother Alvin Eugene Ames.

Jim is survived by his daughter Linda and Tom Russell of Edmond, Oklahoma; son Mark and Tonda Ames of Collinsville, Oklahoma; son Craig and Avi DeTurenne of Los Angeles, California; grandson Rusty and Julie Moore of Thomas; grandson Jeremy Moore of Stillwater, Oklahoma; grandson Tyler Ames of Oklahoma City; great-granddaughter Kinsley and Hunter Likavec of West Branch, Michigan; great-grandson Calton Moore of Thomas; great-granddaughter Violet Moore of Stillwater, Oklahoma; great-grandson Tucker Moore of Stillwater, Oklahoma; great-great-grandson Stetson Avery Likavec of West Branch, Michigan; and, cousins and other relatives.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Thomas, 217 N 6th St, Thomas, OK 73669; or to the Thomas Masonic Lodge, 121 N. Main St., Thomas, OK 73669

As Dad would always say when leaving the house after lunch, "Toodle Loo"