James C. Sprouls

James Clifton Sprouls passed away on January 10, 2010 after an extended illness. Clif was faithful in loving his family and serving his God. Clif was born in Girard, Texas April 19, 1918 to James C. Sprouls and Mary Alma (Mayfield) Sprouls. He graduated from High School in Jayton, Texas. His undergraduate degree was earned at Texas Tech University. He served as Executive Adjutant during WWII on a hospital ship caring for and bringing wounded soldiers home from the European theater. He married Helen Patricia (Pat) Ash while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. Following the war, he earned his masters of divinity from Southern Methodist University. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate degree from Oklahoma City University. He began a long career as a United Methodist Minister serving the Decatur Texas Circuit. He was founding pastor of both St. Paul's Methodist Church in Socorro, New Mexico and the Methodist Church in Los Alamos, New Mexico; before moving to Oklahoma. He served churches in Oklahoma including Memorial Drive Methodist Church in Tulsa, Linwood Methodist Church in OKC, and First United Methodist Church in Miami, Oklahoma. He also served as North and South Oklahoma City and Muskogee District Superintendent and Conference Treasurer before he retired in 1985. Clif was a respected leader, advisor and friend to many. He is preceded in death by his wife Pat Sprouls, his parents, brothers Darwin Sprouls, Bob Sprouls and a sister, Aletha Fox. He is survived by one brother, Henry Sprouls and sister-in-law Maurine of Tyler, Texas, two daughters Carol and husband John Worden of OKC, Jamie and husband John Crooch of Edmond, five grandchildren: Lori Weber and husband Scott of Estes Park CO, Deanna Roach and husband Michael of OKC, Amy Van Leer and husband Darrell of OKC , Jennifer Purvis of OKC and David Crooch and wife Melissa of Chicago; seven great-grandchildren: Ashley, Alyssa and Caleb Weber of Estes Park CO, Katie and Jenna Purvis of OKC, Abby and Aaron Van Leer of OKC; step-grandchildren, Johnnie Eilerts of Newcastle, Kenneth Worden and wife Amy of Newcastle; step-great-grandchildren, Zack Roach of Norman, Beau, Daisy, Dixie Worden and Maddie Eilerts. He was blessed by a large extended family including brothers and sisters-in law, Glen and Lou Ash, Stanley and Helen Ash, Jim and Linda Ash, Sue Sprouls, Texans all, Lota Dake of California, and numerous nieces and nephews.