James W. Hoyt

James W. Hoyt (Jim, Jimmy, Jim Boy, Jimbo, Batman), 87 years young, passed away March 19, 2025 at home with his family by his side. Diagnosed with cancer in November 2024, he was working full-time until his illness forced him into an "early retirement". A definite workhorse who never intended to slow down.

Jim was born in Wichita, KS to Dorothy and Bill Hoyt, living in Oklahoma City his entire life, with the exception of the time he lived in Wichita with his mother, sister (Sharon), and grandparents, while his father served time in WWII. He grew up in Mayfair Heights, making lifelong friends and creating mischief everywhere he went. He attended Edgemere Elementary, Harding Middle School, and graduated in 1956 with the first graduating class of NW Classen High School. Jim attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Kappa Sig fraternity, and later Oklahoma City University. During this time he also served in the Army Reserves.

His first real job was with the City of Oklahoma City as a court clerk for Judge Demopolis. He excelled at and loved that job, but was eager to learn more and do more. He then went to work for Bill Winter, where he started his Commercial Real Estate Appraisal career. In his very first week, assigned to work on a large eminent domain case in Tulsa, he proved he had the skills, drive, and personality to succeed, building a reputation of honesty, knowledge of the industry, and hard work. Throughout this time, Jim studied hard and earned his MAI designation in 1965, and later his SREA certification. In 1967, he formed J. W. Hoyt & Associates. He also partnered with his good friend and mentor Wes Finley, to build and invest in numerous commercial properties throughout Oklahoma City. Along the way, he saw a need for a shared database for commercial real estate appraisers, so in 1972 he partnered with his friend Richard Riley and formed READ, Inc. (Real Estate Appraisal Data), an organization that he remained active in and still benefits appraisers today.

In 1982 he purchased the old Cain's Coffee warehouse at 511 Couch Drive, completely renovating it as his new office - a very proud accomplishment. He hired and mentored many appraisers throughout the years, and partnered with many more, successfully creating a lasting legacy. He was appointed by Governor Walters to oversee the ad valorem task force, served on the Oklahoma Real Estate Appraiser Board, was a Councilman for Warr Acres, and was President of the OK State MAI Chapter.

He was famous for his very long and detailed stories, jokes and quick humor, and fierce loyalty to those he loved. Throughout his life, he was a part of many special groups of friends that endured those stories for many years - Downtown YMCA/Friday breakfast group, Saturday breakfast group, MN and OK Runamuck golf trips, with his best pal Aubrey, Thursday dinner group, and Wednesday High School Breakfast to name a few.

Although he thrived at work, he always made time for family. Family was most important to him, and our happiness was his goal. Family dinners, holidays, vacations, and Sunday movie nights were what he looked forward to.

He is survived by his girls - wife of 61 years, Mary, and daughters Sandra and Jamie, and his adoring granddogs Biff and Ellie.

His family would like to thank the many friends, neighbors, and caregivers that made this journey a little less difficult. A special thank you to Nancy Kerr and family, Ken Southerland, Kevin Blaney, Dan Zorn, Dr. Larry Bookman, Spence Carson, Rachel Hollen Bublitz with Stephenson Cancer Center, Emily Gastineau with Trinity Hospice, and the Warr Acres Fire Department (extra shout out to Team Blue).

Our dad led a long, full life, and we'll miss him beyond words. Please come and share a "Hoyt Story" and celebrate a life very well lived.

Jim's Memorial Service will be Friday, March 28, 2025 - 2:00 pm at Smith & Kernke 14624 N. May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Jim's name.