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  • Over the years, James Harley Ivy Jr. and his dog Poochie were well known figures in the city of Waurika and southern Oklahoma. The longtime attorney and civic leader died at age 93 on Saturday. Waurika News-Democrat

    Over the years, James Harley Ivy Jr. and his dog Poochie were well known figures in the city of Waurika and southern Oklahoma. The longtime attorney and civic leader died at age 93 on Saturday.
November 23, 2011

Humor, knowledge marked J.H. Ivy’s life

David Laughlin & Duncan Banner Staff The Duncan Banner

WAURIKA — Kind, humorous and intelligent — those were the most common adjectives used to describe James Harley Ivy Jr.

Ivy, a lifelong resident of Waurika, died at age 93 on Nov. 19, in Houston, Texas. And it was the passing of a legend who’s life touched Waurika, the region, the state and beyond.

Ivy was more than just a resident of Waurika said Curtis Plant, minister of First Christian Church of Waurika. Plant said Ivy was a constant, consistent presence in the community.

“He was as much a part of Waurika as the buildings. He was such a fixture in this community, I hated that he passed away, but he’s in a better place now,” Plant said.

“He really was one of a kind. He came from a generation that believed in civic duty and giving back to the community in anyway possible. You can see that in the way he lived his life.”

Ivy was an attorney in Waurika for more than 70 years, but his impact extended past the courtroom and his law office on Main Street. During his years in Waurika, Ivy served as mayor, city commissioner and president of the Waurika Lions Club.

“Spending any time with James was like sitting in a world history course,” Plant said. “He had such an amazing mind. When something reminded him of a poem, he would just recite the entire poem. He had such a vivid memory and could recall conversations from decades ago.

“He knew just so much history, it’s amazing. He was so great to just sit and listen to.”

Plant and Ivy broke bread every Thursday evening. Plant said that time spent with Ivy will always be moments to cherish.

“It was great to just sit around and talk with him,” Plant added. “The way his mind worked was just out of this world. I wish he would’ve written a book. I guess he thought his life should speak for itself.

“Most of all, James was one of a kind. He will definitely be missed.”

Over the years, Ivy argued many cases in Stephens County and was a well known and highly-respected figure in local legal circles. Most recently, he was honored as the special guest for a Law Day luncheon sponsored by the Stephens County Bar Association.

“James Harley Ivy was a true gentleman. He was what I call an ‘old school’ lawyer. His word was always his bond,” said District Judge Joe Enos. “He was excellent, astute and sharp-minded. He had a sharp wit, was humorous and was always a pleasure to be around.”

Enos recalled the last time Ivy tried a case in his courtroom, which was in December 2010.

“It was a case defending a homeowner there in Waurika, and was fairly complicated, involving the city,” Enos noted, “but he was on point on all issues. He was never one to waste the court’s time or attorney’s times with issues.

“He certainly will be missed. His style and demeanor of practice will be missed. He leaves a legacy and will be hard to replace. He always kept his family, community and clients in mind. He conducted himself as a true gentleman.”

Waurika native and longtime attorney Phil Scott shared plenty of memories with Ivy.

“He was an unusually talented lawyer,” Scott said. “He was extremely smart; a lot of people didn’t realize it. Even in his later years, he was that way. I got to where I would have him help me with stuff.

“I would ask him about legal codes and he would laugh and tell me, ‘I can tell you exactly where that statue is, I used it in a case in the 1950s.’

“His whole life was the law. He loved the law more than anyone I ever met in my life. He like to practice law. To be honest, he was an attorney’s attorney.”

Apart from the legal profession and civic contributions, Scott said Ivy’s most lasting legacy is the investment he made in his children.

“All of his daughters were outstanding musicians,” Scott added. “All of them were more than just musicians, they were prodigies. To me, that’s his legacy. All of his daughters were so successful. That was his legacy more than anything.

“You really can’t replace someone like James — he’s not replaceable. He will be missed. He was active in everything.”

Duncan City Manager Jim Frieda worked closely with Ivy when in private practice and during a tenure of being city attorney for Waurika. Frieda said Ivy was a mentor.

“Mr. Ivy’s death caught me by surprise. He was one of my idols,” Frieda said. “One of my last fun memories of him was he appeared on the Waurika City Council about six months before I took this job. He came up to me afterward and said he was glad to see someone in the room was older than he was.”

Frieda said Ivy made an impact on the area judicial system.

“I thought the guy was fantastic. He was a real tribute to the legal community,” Frieda said. “James Harley Ivy was a great, great man.”

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