James "Jim" Tatum

James Edward “Jim” Tatum, 79, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 in San Angelo. Jim was born August 4, 1939 in Fayetteville, Arkansas to Edward Charles Tatum and Marvin Jo Smith Tatum. He grew up in Arkansas and after high school attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1968 achieving the rank of Staff Sargent. Jim was able to return to school and receive his Bachelor’s Degree in History and Business Finance. His career spanned 40 years in the Real Estate Sales Industry. Jim married Norma Angelica Pena on May 31, 2008 in San Angelo, Texas and they were fortunate enough to share ten beautiful years together. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who devoted his life to his family. In his spare time, he loved traveling, especially going to various beaches and tropical islands. He was also passionate about history and education. Jim always had an encouraging word to say to anyone about the importance of education and finishing your degree. In his younger years, he played college football and even played professionally for the Oakland Raiders as a cornerback for a short time. Aside from history, traveling and football his other passions included being a food connoisseur, having blue bell ice cream and joking with family and friends. His signature greeting was saying “Merry Christmas” to everyone no matter what time of the year it was. Jim’ strength as a formidable man and his love for his family will be carried in our hearts forever and we will dearly miss him. “Merry Christmas,” Jim! We Love You! Jim was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Martha Tatum. He is survived by his wife, Norma Tatum, of San Angelo; his children, James Tatum, Jr., Frank Berry and his wife Eydie, Milton Berry, Carlos Ybarra and his wife Michelle, and Oscar Ybarra and his wife Melly, of San Angelo; He is also survived by numerous grandchildren who loved him dearly and a very dear childhood friend, Hayden McIllroy of Arkansas. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. Carl Anderton, all the physicians, nurses and staff in ICU at SACMC and hospice of San Angelo. The Prayer Service will be 6:00 P.M., Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Harper Funeral Home Chapel. The Graveside Service will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma with Rev. Jehu Hernandez officiating. Donations may be made to a favorite charity. The Lord is My Shepherd He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23: 3-4