A service to celebrate the life of James Michael Terrell is scheduled at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, followed by a time of fellowship with family and friends. He died on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Please view the service broadcasting schedule, floral purchasing, and an area to share stories of Mr. Terrell with his family on this page.
James Michael Terrell, better known as Mike was born July 11, 1951, to Jimmy and Delphine (Porter) Terrell in Lubbock, TX. He married Donna Warren on February 5, 1972. Mike was a teacher at heart. After several years as a professor at the University of Kansas and the University of Tulsa, he took his finance and teaching skills into the private sector eventually arriving at Waggoner National Bank as its CEO. Mike truly wanted others around him to learn, grow, and succeed and he never felt more accomplished than when his colleagues and sons were also successful. “Always root for your friend’s success,” Mike would say. He did that but also went out of his way to help others achieve that success.
In addition to his time as a professor and bank CEO, Mike served on the Board of Directors at Waggoner National Bank and TIB. He was also a self-made gourmet chef and a lifetime Red Raider. He was conversant on any topic you could offer and generously considered both sides of any discussion with grace and humility.
Over the last several years, Mike adoringly cared for Donna, his wife of almost 50 years, as she struggled through the challenges of Parkinson’s. Mike was there by her side until the end, devotedly doing all of the things she couldn’t. He was that kind of husband and partner.
We will all miss Mike’s laughter and wisdom. But most of all, we will miss his friendship and encouragement. Mike wanted nothing but the best for his family, friends, and those he worked with. The good news is that Mike is now with his beloved Donna again, they are both renewed in a better place, and they are smiling down on James, David, and all of us. Please join us in our prayers as we mourn and process the loss of a father, grandfather, and special man.
Mike is survived by his sons, James (Hollie) Terrell of Felton, CA, and David (Marisa) Terrell of Southlake, TX; grandchildren, Madison, Mathew, Ellery, Juniper, and Harper Terrell, and a brother, Larry (Cindy) Terrell. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Delphine Terrell, and his wife, Donna Terrell.
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