James M. Kentopp, Sr.

James Michael “Jim” Kentopp, Sr., was born on July 2, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to James Richard and Phyllis L. (Godwin) Kentopp. After graduating high school, Jim proudly answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, honorably serving in the Special Forces, a branch of the Army Special Operations Command informally known as the Green Berets – loyally serving in the Republic of Vietnam.

Following his military service, Jim pursued higher education at New Mexico Tech, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. His career in mining took him to various corners of the country, including New Mexico, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah—where he and his family enjoyed life in the foothills of Sandy City with ski slopes just steps from their back yard.

In 1979, while mining for uranium in Nose Rock, New Mexico, Jim met Ramona Foutz. The two quickly fell in love and were married in Farmington on November 7, 1980. Together with their son, James Michael Kentopp, Jr., they eventually made their home in southwest Oklahoma, where Jim worked for American Gypsum Company in Duke until his retirement—concluding a remarkable 45-year career in the mining industry.

Jim was a passionate sports enthusiast. He rarely missed an OKC Thunder basketball game or a Philadelphia Flyers hockey match, and he enjoyed watching car races as well. Above all, Jim cherished the time spent with his beloved wife, Mona, and their son, James Jr. His devotion to his family never wavered, and he remained a faithful provider even as his health declined. Jim passed away, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, just a few short hours after OKC Thunder won against the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Championship.

His wife of 44 years, Mona, preceded him in death by 12 weeks and three days along with his parents, James and Phyllis. Jim’s memory will be cherished by his son, James Jr. (OKC); siblings, Robert W. (Doylestown, PA) and Richard J. and wife, Melody (Rockwall, TX); sister-in-law, Roxene and husband, Mike (Farmington, NM); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 19th, in the Centennial Chapel at the Altus City Cemetery with military honors rendered by the United States Army. Burial will immediately follow. The service may be viewed at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1MDg3NTkyNzM2ODcwMSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.