James Donald Mantzke was born July 6, 1930, in Windom, Minnesota to George and Louise Mantzke and passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Veteran’s Center in Ardmore, Oklahoma at the age of 85 years old.

James attended school in Redwood, Minnesota where he graduated.  After graduating, he went on to earn a Master’s in English and Bachelors in Geology as well as serving in the United States Air Force for 2 years and then reenlisted for 6 more years.

James married Norma Jean in 1974 in Blaine County, Watonga, Oklahoma.  They made their home in Ardmore, Oklahoma where James worked on wellsite services until 2008.

After 2008, James earned his Captains License and spent summers as a Captain of Charter fishing boats and enjoyed casting ashes.  He loved to fish, he fished everywhere including his favorite places; Lake Texoma, the Gulf and Pacific Ocean for Salman.

James is survived by his wife of the home and one son, Mark Mantzke of Durant, Oklahoma.  They had 4 Grandson’s Damien and Tristan Mantzke, Jeff Westfall and Jason Weber; 2 Granddaughter’s Jill Buchanon and Jessica Kramp.

James was proceeded in death by his parents, George and Louise; Step- Daughter Cathy Kramp.