James Earl Tannehill, 67, of McAlester, passed away Wednesday, July 13.  The family will welcome friends for viewing and visitation on Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be Monday, July 18, at 10:00 a.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow at Tannehill Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Roger Melton, Bill Burns, Sammy Magdalena, Jeremy (Jerry) Pitts, Steve Burrows, Roy Paul Rodgers, Lloyd London, and Trent Myers.

Honorary pallbearers are Rick Fender, Joe Prichard and Roy Engleman.

James Earl Tannehill was born on July 4, 1955 in McAlester to James Edgar Tannehill and Edna Earl (Utterback) Tannehill.  James grew up here and graduated from McAlester High School in 1973.  The day after his graduation he went into the tire store, put his diploma in his desk drawer, and went to work, and has been there ever since, until his health forced him to slow down a few years ago.James Earl's passion was the Tannehill Museum, and building a new facility for his family's collection. As curator of the museum, he carried a wealth of historical information about Oklahoma State Penitentiary artifacts, McAlester history, many other items related to McAlester in general.  James Earl was also very helpful in community activities. He was a member of McAlester Elk's Lodge; Italian Festival board member; Pittsburg County Jaycee's, receiving the honor as JC Senator and Governor.  He was instrumental in the production and lighting the City of McAlester annual Fireworks Display for over 30 years. As well, as a Pittsburg County Sheriff Reserve Deputy for many years.

James was a 32 ^nd degree Mason Freemason and a member of the South McAlester Masonic Lodge #96 and life member of the NRA. And even though he wasn't an avid golfer, he thoroughly enjoyed going on week-long golf trips with the Golf Guys every year.

James Earl is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Stephanie Tannehill; nephews Jake D. Tannehill and Jason E. Tannehill; aunts Jimmie Ann Utterback and Vera Greer; uncles, Dean Tannehill and wife Joan, and Edwin Tannehill; and numerous cousins and other relatives.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James E. (JET) Tannehill and Edna Earl Tannehill.