James Edwin Carris

James Edwin "Jim" Carris, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Enid on August 10, 2026.

Jim was born on August 27, 1951, in Enid, Oklahoma, to William and Margie (Koehn) Carris. He was the oldest of four sons, followed by Max, Terry, and David. He was raised on the family farm west of Wakita, where his father instilled in him the strong work ethic that remained central throughout his life. Jim often proudly recounted stories of milking cows before sunrise and "walking up hill both ways, in the snow to school."

Jim and his brothers grew up in the church and sang together as the Carris Quartet at churches throughout the area. He graduated from Wakita High School in 1969 and moved from the family farm to Enid.

In 1971, Jim met Karen Holt at Sandy's, a local hamburger place. They married on June 30, 1972, and built their life together in Enid, where they raised their three children, Sean, Jason, and Rebecca. Jim and Karen shared 44 years of marriage before her passing in September 2016. Jim began working for the Frisco Railroad in June of 73 as a fireman following in his father-in-law's footsteps. He later retired from BNSF after nearly 40 years as a railroad engineer.

He was hardworking, intelligent, and strongly opinionated. Jim valued structure, routine, and doing things his own way. Jim was a firm father who expected his children to follow the rules, take responsibility for themselves, and become independent from an early age. This was especially meaningful in raising his son Sean, who faced lifelong health challenges related to spina bifida. When Sean turned 16, Jason and Jim modified a car with hand controls so he could drive independently. Jim helped raised an unstoppable son.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed woodworking and made personalized stepstools for each of his grandchildren and some of his great-grandchildren. He looked forward to weekly breakfasts with his retired railroad friends, where they reminisced and shared stories. He also enjoyed watching the WNBA, keeping up with current events and politics, and having weekly breakfasts with Jason and his family.

Jim was a grandpa known for his strong preferences, familiar routines, availability of treats, and fondness for teasing his grandchildren. Kimmy frequently helped him navigate new technology and being a big support. Although affection and warmth did not always come easily to Jim, time brought a softer perspective. As he grew older, he became increasingly intentional about making time and putting forth the effort to remain connected with each of his grandchildren. Papa Jim would share stories of the past and speak of ancestors with Carsi. He enjoyed special connection with each grandchild.

Jim is survived by his son, Jason Carris; Jason's daughters, Morgan (Tucker) Singleton and their children, Quinn and Seth, and Kimmy (Ryan) Hall and their son, Henry; his daughter, Rebecca Kroeker Gibson (Sean Gibson); Rebecca's children, Hallee (Dylan Nuckolls) and their daughters, Emery and Margot, Carson Kroeker, and Collin Kroeker; his brother, Terry Carris (Cindy); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margie Carris; his wife, Karen; his son, Sean, who passed away on November 19, 2019; and his brothers, Max and David.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Ladusau-Evans Chapel with Rev. Jim Edmison officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Christian Church Cemetery near Wakita, Oklahoma under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.