James Lonzo Yahola was born to Alonzo and Florence (Price) Yahola on January 12, 1935 in Wewoka, OK. He went to his Heavenly home on December 22, 2024 surrounded by his family at the age of 89 years old.
James attended Cromwell High School and graduated with the Class of 1954. He furthered his education at OCU. On April 17, 1955 he married the love of his life, Lila Orsburn, they were married for 69 years. James was an employee for the United States Federal Government where he worked for Indian Health Services as an Administrative Assistant for many years. He was a proud citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. James was a quiet and gentle man that persevered as a Native American through a generation that did not allow many others to succeed, yet he never carried hate or resentment in his heart or mind. He loved Oklahoma State Athletics and enjoyed watching OU sports as well. His favorite pastime was attending his grandchildren’s baseball games, basketball games, softball games and wrestling duals. There was never an enchilada plate nor chicken-fried steak dinner he did not enjoy. James enjoyed going fishing and camping at Lake Eufaula with his family. He was blessed with success, and shared it with those he felt needed it. He was a family man in his own way.
James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Tom Yahola and Charles Yahola and sister: Lois Ann Yahola. He is survived by his wife Lila of the home, son James A. Yahola of Norman, daughters: Pennie Yahola Brown of Noble and LaWana Yahola of Oklahoma City, sister: Connie Kimbrough of Houston, TX, grandchildren: Shain Brown and wife Amy, Seth Brown and wife Anna, Wynema Yahola, James C. Yahola and wife, Amber, great-grandchildren: Abbi, Brooklyn, Saige and Cy, along with many other relatives and friends.
