Jimmy Luke Starns

Jimmy Luke Starns, longtime Seminole County resident, passed away July 3, 2018 at Avonlea Cottage in Seminole at the age of 89.

He was born April 18, 1929 in Vamoosa, Oklahoma to A.W. and Leona (Winfield) Starnes of Konawa. Jimmy served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was hand-picked as the personal bodyguard to President Truman, General MacArthur and President Eisenhower while he was with the military police. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Jimmy returned to Seminole County and was employed as deputy sheriff of Seminole County. He then later became a police officer with the City of Seminole. He was one of the first officers to have a K-9 as his partner.  Jimmy resigned in 1969 to follow his dream of being a horseshoer (farrier). He traveled all over the United States shoeing horses.

Jimmy married Johnita Barnes in 1956 and she preceded him in death in 2006.

He is survived by one son, John Starns of Pottawatomie County, OK; one daughter, Jimilu Starns of Shawnee, OK; one chosen daughter, Susan (Hiser) Harris of Konawa; sister, Mary Jo Rains; sister-in-law, Dean Starns of Ada, OK; brother-in-law, Jimmie Barnes and wife Deborah “Southern Belle” of Birmingham, AL; grandsons, Bodhi Starns and Rance Starns of Ada, OK; nephews, Frank Jr. Starns, Gary Starns, Billy Starns. Nick Rains, David Grimes, Larry Paul Starns; nieces, Denise Austin, Allison Burden, Susannah Barnes and Rebecca Barnes and Linda Corliss; numerous great nieces and great nephews and a host of other family and friends. He said if you don’t see me while I’m here, no need to see me when I’m gone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A.W. and Leona Starnes; brothers, Claude Starns, Billy Starns, Frank Starns; sisters, Lucille Watts and Kathleen Grimes Belt.

Special thanks to Avonlea Cottage Assisted Living in Seminole, Vicki Anderson and precious staff at Healing Hearts Hospice Misti Davis and staff.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Seminole Humane Society, 1200 Montgomery Rd, Seminole, OK 74868 or any horse recues in Oklahoma.

Arrangements are under the direction of OK Cremation and Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.