James A. “Jim” Sanders, a 1941 graduate of Sand Springs High School, was a devoted Sandite whose life was marked by significant contributions in various fields, including education, community service, and business.
Jim Sanders, a native of Sand Springs, graduated from Sand Springs High School in 1941. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his military service, Jim owned a dental lab and a Ford agency in Wagoner, OK.
A passionate golfer, Jim spent his retirement years indulging in his favorite sport. He was actively involved in the golfing community, holding memberships at Forest Ridge Golf Club, volunteering at PGA tournaments, and organizing golf tournaments and picnics for Fred Jones’ Industries.
Jim’s commitment to community service was evident through his various roles. He was a past president and member of the Sand Springs Board of Education and served as Director and Vice President of the Oklahoma State School Board Association. Jim represented Congressional District #1 as a member of the Federal Relations Network of the National School Board Association and was president of the Wagoner Area Chamber of Commerce and Wagoner Club of Rotary International. He also served as Board Advisor for the Sand Springs Rotary Board of Directors, Rotary Governor’s Representative for District 6110, Chairman of the Wagoner County Trust Authority, and member of the Oklahoma Green Country Board.
In addition to his business and community roles, Jim was a 32nd-degree Mason, affiliated with the Tulsa York Rite Bodies, Wagoner Lodge No. 98, and Muskogee Bedouin Temple. He was also an active member of the Sand Springs Rotary Club.
Jim received several honors, including being a Century Member of the Boy Scouts of America, an honorary member of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association for outstanding service, and awards from the Professional Salesman’s Association, Lincoln-Mercury Division, and Ford Motor Company Distinguished Service Citation.
A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Jim served on the Administrative Board, as Head Usher, and on the Healing Prayer Team, among other ministries. He passed away on March 3, 1997, at the age of 73. Despite his active and fulfilling life, Jim’s only regret was that he never attended college.