James Edward Schlittler, 90, of Norman, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026.

James was born on June 1, 1935, in Graham, Texas, to Henry William Schlittler and Elizabeth Helen (Johnson) Schlittler. Raised on a farm, he learned early the value of hard work, perseverance, and self-reliance—qualities that remained with him throughout his life. If something was broken, Jim could probably fix it. He had the kind of hands that understood tools, engines, machinery, and people alike.

James attended Texas Tech University before beginning a long and successful career in the oilfield industry. He worked for Halliburton for over 20 years before eventually founding his own company, Completion Consultants Inc. Through determination, grit, and sharp instincts, he built a life defined by hard work and independence.

In 1981, James moved to Norman, where he continued building both his business and his family life. On October 6, 1998, he married Karen Nix, sharing years of companionship and memories together.

James was a man full of stories, humor, and unforgettable one-liners. Among his favorite sayings was, “I don’t get heart attacks, I give them!” He was equally proud to say that he never once had to bail any of his sons out of jail—a point he considered one of his finer accomplishments as a father.

He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: a perfectly cooked steak, a good conversation, and time spent with family. He also carried remarkable memories from his travels, including being in Berlin the year the Berlin Wall fell and spending New Year’s Eve at the wall during that historic moment in time. It was a story he treasured and one his family loved hearing him tell.

More than anything, James will be remembered for his strength, capability, humor, and steadfast love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, hard-earned wisdom, and a life well lived.

James is survived by his sons, James R. Schlittler and wife Tricia, William E. Schlittler and wife Kim, and Ronald R. Schlittler and wife Connie; his granddaughters, Carson and husband Wes, and Kara and husband John; and his great-grandchildren, Darla, Daphne, and Patrick.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry William and Elizabeth Helen Schlittler, and by his brothers, Henry William Schlittler and Wesley Eugene Schlittler.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.