Jim Marvin, Jr.

Jim Marvin, Jr., aged 81, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on July 1, 2026. He was born on January 6, 1945, in Sullivan, Missouri, to Myrtle Minnie (Harmon) Marvin and James Leo Marvin, Sr.

Jim grew up in Sallisaw, attending school where he played football, baseball, and basketball in high school. After graduation in 1963, he attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. On August 15, 1964, he married Pam Benson in Sallisaw, beginning a beautiful journey together.

He started his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, rising to District Manager before returning to Sallisaw and working with his father in the grocery business. Beginning in the year 1972, he became partners with his dad in the IGA grocery store in Sallisaw. expanding it into a successful chain of 24 stores across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas.

A devoted community member, Jim raised funds for Special Olympics, chaired the Sequoyah County Junior Livestock Show for two decades, and served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church. His leadership extended to serving on the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; past President of the Sallisaw Jaycees; and on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Sallisaw. Jim’s accomplishments were recognized by his peers for his retailing success with being named Retailer of the Year in 1989; Outstanding Merchandiser for Private Label Merchandise in 1990; and Arkansas’ Best Advertising Award in 1990.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Pam of the home; one daughter, Jennifer Currie and Jason Parrish of Fort Smith, AR; two sons, Jay Marvin of Sallisaw, OK and Lance Marvin and Casie Jo Rutherford of Roland, OK; eight grandchildren, Jonathon Marvin of Greenwood, AR, Jacob Marvin and Courtney Brown of Cookson, OK, Jennifer Nicole Snapp and Wyatt of Stillwater, OK, Hunter and Alexis White of Oklahoma City, OK, Sara Ruth Marvin of Fayetteville, AR, Ryan Currie of Lowell, AR, Baylee Mouw and Ben of Hospers, IA and Sydney Currie of Stillwater, OK; two great-grandchildren, Keni Lynn Marvin and Tucker James Mouw; one sister, Nancy Acker of Sallisaw, OK; two brothers, Dr. Michael Marvin and Linda of Sallisaw, OK and Wayne Marvin and Karen of Roland, OK; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Agent Mallory Martin Chapel, with burial to follow at Akins Cemetery. Pallbearers include Jonathon Marvin, Jacob Marvin, Hunter White, Ben Mouw, Jason Parrish, and Daniel Walter, with Dr. Mike Marvin, Wayne Marvin, Mike Benson, Eric Benson, Jeff Benson, Kirk Benson and Craig Benson serving as honorary pallbearers.

Viewing will be 10 AM - 8 PM Monday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw where the family will greet 6 - 8 PM.