04/05/2026
James "Jim" Dale Hilligoss Sr., 76, of Sand Springs, entered his heavenly home on Monday, March 30th, 2026. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.
A funeral service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at Sand Springs Methodist Church with Pastor Cole Fields officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 7th from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends and family from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Jim Hilligoss Sr. was born January 21st, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Orvan William Hilligoss and Viola Marie (Lewallen) Hilligoss. He was raised near Shell Creek Lake in Sand Springs. Jim attended Anderson Public School and graduated from Charles Page High in 1968. In 1971, Jim joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Merced, California, before leaving for Kwang Ju Air Base in Korea. After serving overseas, he was stationed in Omaha, Nebraska, for a short time before leaving the Air Force in 1975. Jim returned home to Sand Springs where he would spend the rest of his life back at home residing in the Sand Springs and the Shell Creek area.
Jim worked at Unit Rig for many years before deciding to go back to school. He worked while going to school at night and graduated from Tulsa Junior College with an associate degree in Machinist Technology in 1985. On February 10, 1986, Jim hired on at American Airlines and worked as an Aviation Maintenance Technician until he retired in 2007. Jim took pride in his work and formed lasting friendships. They were always pulling pranks on each other, joking around, poking fun, and he always enjoyed his daily naps and domino games.
Jim was a man of many talents; there wasn't anything he couldn't fix. He loved tinkering in the shop, rebuilding his motorcycle, the old wheel horse, working on his Ford tractor, and rebuilding his 1964 Ford truck. He also enjoyed working with wood and built many things for the family home. If he wasn't in the workshop, he would be outside enjoying nature.
On April 10th, 1990, Jim met the love of his life, Stacey. They dated for several years before getting married on April 24th, 1993, at Word of Life Fellowship. Together they built a beautiful life for their children and grandchildren filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Jim loved camping, fishing, boating, riding his motorcycle, golf, metal detecting, traveling, and just about anything outdoors. The family would spend every summer out at the lake camping, fishing, boating, and enjoying nature with the kids, grandkids, and close family friends. His favorite campground was Washington Irving and he always enjoyed the yearly trip to Buffalo National River.
Jim's greatest joy in life was his family. The love he had for his children and grandchildren was immeasurable. They were his world, and everything he did was for them. Being Papa was his most cherished title; one he carried with pride and deep affection. Jim will be remembered by all who knew him as a hardworking, dependable, and protective man. He was loving, fun, and full of humor, with a touch of onery charm and a stubborn streak that only added to his character. Above all, he was deeply devoted to his family and was loved by everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Orvan and Viola Hilligoss; brothers: Jerry Hilligoss, Orvan Hilligoss Jr., Ronnie Hilligoss; and sister, Linda Bartlet. He is survived by his loving wife, Stacey Hilligoss; his children: Nana Hilligoss, Beverly Ferguson, James Hilligoss Jr, Madisen Cole and husband, Hunter Cole; his brothers: Keith Hilligoss Sr. and wife Patsy, Randy Hilligoss and wife Brenda; sister, Debbie Beggs and husband, Jack; sisters-in-law: Freeda Hilligoss, Carolyn Hilligoss, and Bettye Hilligoss; grandchildren: Jordan Miller, Deontay Hilligoss, Corey Hilligoss, Lance Jones, Felisity Miller, Jalen Miller, Talyiah Miller, Jake Walker, Braden Hilligoss, Tyler Hilligoss, Brighton Cole, Wyson Cole, Charlie Cole, Lakelyn Cole, and grandson on the way, Tracker James Cole. Jim was blessed with several great-grandchildren and many, many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews. Jim was blessed with a large loving family, and his legacy of love, strength and unwavering support will live on in all who knew and loved him.
James Jim Dale Hilligoss Sr., 76, of Sand Springs, entered his heavenly home on Monday, March 30th, 2026. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs. A funeral service celebrating Jims life will be held at 1000 a.m., Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at Sand...