James Cone French

James Cone French Jr, age 58 years, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 5, 2026 at his home in Ravia, OK. Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Chickasaw Nation Community Center in Ardmore, OK.

James was born in Dallas, TX on September 20, 1968 to James Cone French Sr and Mary Ellen Rice French. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Denison, TX and Anna, TX. After high school, James and his parents moved to the Madill, OK area where they operated a small family ranch and baled hay for local farmers. James studied Agriculture at Murray State College in Tishomingo, OK. It was there he met the woman he would marry and spend the next 30+ years of life with, Melanie Washburn. After losing his father, the family got out of the ranching business & James found a new passion driving 18-wheel trucks. He drove both local and over the road for many years. His next adventure took him into the profession of teaching this passion to others at the Ardmore Truck Driving School. He often shared stories of his days as an instructor.For the past six years, James drove a truck for Kleen Oilfield Services in Lone Grove, OK. James loved working this job and knew every nook and cranny of the local oilfield in the area. In 1994, James married the love of his life, Melanie Rose Washburn in Gainesville, TX making their home in Ardmore, OK for many years. They lived a life full of love with its ups and downs, but his love for Melanie never wavered. Melanie brought two amazing boys into the marriage, Billy and Dakota, whom James immediately took under his wings and proudly called his sons. James brought a son, Thomas, into the marriage and the five of them welcomed a new baby boy, Jesse, into the family making their family complete. With broken hearts, James and the boys said their goodbyes to Melanie when she suddenly passed away in 2023. In 2025, James swiped right and met his ray of sunshine, Machelle Ellis, making her his wife in May 2026. Though God did not give them years together, He did give them a lifetime of love, laughter and memories. If you knew James at all, you knew if he wasn’t working, you would find him hunting in the woods or on the water fishing. He enjoyed camping, family get togethers and holidays. James loved old western movies especially those with outlaws like the James-Younger Gang, the Dalton Gang and Billy the Kid. He knew more about history than most and enjoyed talking about past wars, Native American history and current events. James always had a way with words and loved to tell jokes and share stories. Some of his most notable sayings included “What the hell?” & “danget!”. While James was not a religious person, he did have a strong faith and had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior many years ago. James knew he was a little rough around the edges in the world’s eyes, but he also knew he was a child of The King!

James is survived by his wife, Machelle French of the home; children, Billy Palmer Washburn, Dakota Palmer Washburn (Karley), Jesse French (Crystle) of Ardmore, OK and Thomas French of Kingston, OK. Grandchildren Riley, Bailey & Haizley of OKC, Grace, Blake Honor & Chayton of Ardmore, OK. Best friend, Cliff Colyer and constant companion for the past 14 years, his dog Bella. James is also survived by numerous extended family and many friends.

James was an incredible man, a much-loved father, grandfather and husband. He was a whole lot redneck (and a little bit feral!) and his family and friends will love him forever and miss him immensely.

The family is planning a celebration of life to honor James at a later time. They request instead of sending flowers, please consider donating to Cross Timbers Hospice or your favorite charity in memory of James.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hartwell Funeral Home for their assistance during this difficult time.