Obituary for Jim Minx
Heaven's sirens sounded on November 17, 2022, when James R. Minx was welcomed home. Jim was born to George and Dorothy Minx on June 19, 1935, as the youngest of four. He met his soulmate, Ellie Jaco, at Shields Heights Elementary in Oklahoma City, and he cherished every second of the fifty-six years they shared together. As a young married couple, they were youth sponsors at South Lindsey Baptist Church, where he would be ordained as a deacon on May 16, 1973 and serve as the church treasurer. Jim worked along-side his father stirring sugary batches in copper pots at their Jim-Lee Candy Company in Capitol Hill until he helped construct a separate building behind his parents' residence. Jim also served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard Reserves from 1958 until1964. Jim began his career with the Oklahoma City Fire Department in 1963 where he soon decided to become more involved in their union to increase safety and provide the best equipment for each and every firefighter. Jim served as Secretary-Treasurer of Local1524 (now Local157) and as Union President through a large part of the 1970's. During this time and up into the 2010's, Jim also served on national fire protection committees through the NFPA. He helped institute the modern-day fire helmets and began the process for modern-day bunker gear. Safety of firefighters was especially important to Jim. He believed that even in a dangerous environment, firefighters should have the best chance possible to make it home to see their families at the end of their shift. After retiring in 1983 with the rank of Captain,Jim began a new chapter in the service of firefighters by becoming the Assistant Director of the Oklahoma State Firemen's Association (OSFA), then serving as Executive Director, and finally heading the OSFA legislative efforts until 2009. During this time, Jim is credited with changing the name of the OSFA to Oklahoma State Firefighters Association in recognition of the growing diversity of the membership and helped pass over 60 pieces of legislation greatly improving the quality of life for today's firefighters. Jim spearheaded many of the benefits that firefighters enjoy to this very day such as a "Plan B" retirement, Backdrop, and numerous COLA benefits. He continued to serve the fire service even after his "final" retirement as the President of the Firefighters Museum Board and on numerous committees. Jim played an integral part in conceiving, designing and completing the Memorial that was built to recognize and honor Oklahoma firefighters. For his work and dedication, the delegation of the 121st OSFA Convention unanimously voted to rename the Memorial's main entrance the James R. Minx Sentinel Room. In total, Jim faithfully served the fire service of the state of Oklahoma and beyond for more than 59 years. He is considered a legend within the firefighting community. Jim's lifetime of service was recognized by the Capitol Hill High School Alumni Hall of Fame Association when he was inducted therein and honored with the J.W. Mashburn Community Leadership Award in 2016. Jim was a devout Christian, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, leader, servant, mentor and friend to all who met him. Jim is survived by his daughter Lisa Bays and her husband Bill,his daughter Stacey Moreno, three grandchildren Erick Moreno and his wife Jessica, Alexandra Bays and Jordan Bays, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his precious wife Ellie, his parents, George and Dorothy Minx; and siblings, Norma Hayes, George Minx, Jr., and Ed Minx.