James Perry Trammell, 92, formerly of Arpelar, OK, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024, 10:00 ~ Noon, at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester, OK.

Known to his family as "Sonny," James was born January 21, 1932, in Liberty Bottoms, (Kemp) OK to Otis and Cynthia Trammell.  He spoke often of his childhood years growing up during the Great Depression, as well as World War II, as his family farmed near the Red River, where he learned about a solid work ethic, responsibility and, of course, love of fishing!  He graduated from Kemp High School and soon after, enlisted in the US Air Force.

He married his lifelong love, Nelda Cobb, on June 25, 1958, departing straight after the wedding for his next military assignment at Pease AFB, New Hampshire, driving from Oklahoma in his 1954 Ford.  It didn't take the newlyweds long to discover differences between their new home and the plains of Oklahoma, but they settled in with others like themselves, far from home, sharing their Oklahoma friendliness, Nelda's delicious home cooked meals, forming friendships and camaraderie that only Airmen & their families can relate to.  Facing all the challenges that military life can bring - surviving deployments, long spells away from home, wartime, making sacrifices, learning resiliency as they raised their families together, they made the most of it – making cherished memories along the way, James always sharing so many wonderful stories that came from precious time spent with their close friends.

Throughout his life, James left a profound impact on everyone he met; moreso throughout his military service, as he applied that no nonsense approach he developed from a young age, well into his work and flying career as he worked alongside the aircrews; a team brought together into a cohesive unit from all walks of life - Senior to Junior - experienced to newbies; Southerners, Northerners, all Creeds, Cultures, it didn't matter! …. he played a significant role in all his aircrew assignments, and was recognized a leader and strong ally to all.

To those who worked with him on each mission -- each maintenance repair, in all flight planning, etc., they found a fitting nickname that stayed with him well into his retirement years: "Hoss"; that, of course, in reference to the similarities associated with the actor Dan Blocker, of the TV show, Bonanza. It was a name he proudly answered to the rest of his life.

Over the course of his career, he and Nelda, with their son, Jimmy, who came along in 1961, didn't miss a beat, moving to bases in Arkansas, California, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas. James loved to tell everyone that it was Nelda who made every transition possible, ensuring Jimmy was enrolled in the next school, participated in sports no matter where or what time of year or when the next move occurred.

James started his flying career on the B-47 Stratojet, later serving as Crew Chief on the KC-135. James proudly served in Vietnam, 1969 – 1970, as a Flight Engineer on the AC-47, commonly known as Puff the Magic Dragon.  It was during this time he earned multiple air medals and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He completed his Air Force career as a Flight Instructor on the C-141 Starlifter.

After retirement, the Trammell Family settled on 100 acres in Morrilton, Arkansas, then moved to Arpelar, OK in 1980. James made his next living as a semi-truck driver while Jimmy went off to college.  He and Nelda tended to 50 acres, a large garden, built a stock of Beef Master cattle, and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the pasture and ponds every chance he got.    In 2012 they moved to Choctaw, OK to be closer to family, where they enjoyed the company of great neighbors.

James was a man of few words yet was the most social when he was amongst friends. He deeply loved this country, stood for the American flag, and believed a man's word was gold. He embodied every aspect of being a Proud Veteran.  He especially enjoyed being a member, as well as holding an office, in the 509th Bomb Wing Veteran's Association, as he and Nelda attended many Reunions traveling out-of-state where they could reminisce with treasured friends, even planning and hosting one of the reunions in Oklahoma City.

He loved his family and friends, lived for a good day of fishing with his son, and loved every dog he ever had.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nelda; his parents, Otis and Cynthia Trammell, brother Raymond Trammell, and wife Juanita; his brother-in-law Leo Cobb and his wife, Shirley; and his in-laws, Doke and Verna Cobb.

He is survived by their son, James W. (Jimmy) and daughter-in-law Marjorie, of Midwest City, OK; granddaughter Samantha Trammell of Oklahoma City, OK; sister, Patricia "Trish" (Trammell), her husband, Den Anderson, and their sons and families, of Denison, TX;  niece Jeannie (Trammell), husband Bill Tsoodle, their sons and families, of Moore, OK;  Nelda's brother Gene Cobb, wife Della, their sons and families, of Marlow, OK; niece Donna (Cobb) Ozbirn, husband Darnell, and their family, of Corinth, Mississippi.

The family would like to recognize and give sincerest thanks to the Staff and Support Staff of the VA Residential Center in Norman, OK, where James resided the last two years, as well as the VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, where James received medical care over the last several years, most recently, in the five months up to his passing. We can't thank you enough; James loved you all.