James Langley Filson

James Langley Filson, 86, surrendered his life 2-1-16, spending his last hours with his beloved family near, sharing happy memories. Jim was born 4-28-29 in Tulsa, Ok. His parents were Charles and Verne Filson and one older brother, Henry who preceded him in death. In his childhood he lived in OK, IL, KY until his family moved to Wichita KS, where he graduated from Wichita East High School in 1948. After High School, he attended Kansas State University, earning a Business degree, and was a lifetime member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After college, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and he would in later years often amuse his children at bedtime with tales of his Marine drill Sergeant. He entered the Oil business as a Petroleum Landman in 1956 and enjoyed a long, distinguished career. At Kansas State he met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Fulton, marrying in 1957. The couple lived in Wichita/Liberal, KS, having two children, Leslie Elizabeth, and William Charles. Among Jim's many interests were country music, boating, water/snow skiing, hiking in the Rocky Mtns, Kansas State athletics/football, and boat racing. Jim was the 1969 National Champion in the 50 hp powerboat class. Jim leaves behind a wide variety of friends from his Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brothers to his mutual friends of Bill W, where he was a fixture on Friday Nights at the Western Club. He was most of all, passionately devoted to his wife, children. His family always knew that they were loved, cared for, and could always count on him. In his retirement years he enjoyed being with family, often getting together at birthdays with his children and grandchildren, closing the day with his wife of 58 years, Beth, by reading the 23rd Psalm and Serenity Prayer. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles/Verne Filson, and brother, Henry "Hank" Filson, Niece, LInda Filson of Wichita, Ks. He is survived by his wife Beth, daughter and son in law, Leslie and Steve Chatham, son and daughter in law Bill/Amy Filson, and 3 grandchildren, Ford, Luke, and Katie Filson of Norman, OK, sister in law Beverly Filson of Wichita, Niece Cheryl/Jeff Baker of Tulsa, and their children Brian and Jamie May, brother in law Frank Fulton and his family of Ridgecrest, California, sister in law, Joanne McKinley and her family of Dallas, TX. He had a host of friends and family and when the end came he was at peace. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to, Western Club Foundation, 5207 N. Western Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118. A memorial service will be held at 4pm on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Mayflower Congregational Church.