James E. Smyrl

James Earnest Smyrl passed away Monday, February 1, 2016 at this home in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

Jim was born March 3, 1952 to Richard Alvin and Catherine Theresa (Darnaby) Smyrl in San Antonio, Texas.

He was a Grants Administrator for the City of Tulsa.

Jim worked in the radio industry early in his career and loved all types of music especially rock and roll music. He even played guitar. Jim was a dog lover, particularly big dogs. His favorite breed was Newfoundland.

Jim became a member of Petroleum Masonic Lodge #474 on August 8 1983, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on September 16, 1983, then raised to the degree of Master Mason on October 28, 1983 and became a Worship Master of Petroleum Lodge #474.. He was initiated into the Tulsa York Rite Bodies in 1992, served as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons from 2005 - 2006, was the Deputy Grand Commander of Knights Templar until his passing, was a member of the Red Cross of Constantine and member of the Knight York Cross of Honour (KYCH). He also received the York Rite Awards for Recipient of Knight Templar Cross of Honor and recipient of the Order of the Purple Cross. Jim received the Scottish Rite 32nd Degree on June 23, 1984, invested as Knight Commander of the Court of Honour on October 4, 1999, was crowned as Inspector General Honorary of the 33d Degree on December 9, 2007 and was the Director of the 17th Degree Team. Jim was also a member of the Royal Order of the Ducks and was a member of the Saba Grotto for a number of years which he was responsible for new candidates initiation. Jim was also an active member of Adkar Shrine and the Knights of Pythias and served both in many capacities.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughter, Meghann Marie Smyrl; granddaughter, Alexandria Zastrow; brother, Richard A. Smyrl and his wife, Judy; sister, Mary Catherine Hilliard and her husband, Leonard; brother, Herbert L. Smyrl and his wife, Jennifer and sister, Denise Kubicek.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 PM, Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Tulsa Scottish Rite Auditorium, 9525 East 51st St. Ste. H. Tulsa, OK. 74145.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials in Jim's honor to any of the following: American Cancer Society, 4110 S. 100th E. Ave., Grant Building, Ste. 101, Tulsa, OK 74146; Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, PO Box 2406, Edmond, OK 73083; Tulsa Scottish Rite Charitable & Educational Foundation, PO Box 472150, Tulsa, OK 74147 and Grand Commandery Holy Land Pilgrimage Fund, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Oklahoma, PO Box 1223, Drumright, OK 74047.