Obituary of James Leon LaBorde

James Leon LaBorde 7/25/1935 – 7/25/2021 Jim LaBorde was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Shidler, an oil and ranching community in Osage County. He was the son of Alice (Parker) and William L. LaBorde. He attended Shidler Public Schools, graduating from high school in 1953. He earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah. While a student at Northeastern, Jim met Carolyn Sue Jones and following their graduation in 1957, they married. They moved to Stillwater where Jim continued his studies at Oklahoma State University, obtaining his master’s degree in accounting. In June 1959, Jim joined Arthur Andersen & Co. in Tulsa and spent his whole career with the firm. In July of 1970 he was admitted to the partnership, and in 1973 became managing partner of the Tulsa office. He held that position until 1979 when he moved to world headquarters in Chicago to undertake a strategic planning role. There, he was soon put in charge of worldwide finance and administration. He served as the firm’s chief financial officer until 1987 when he requested a return to the role he enjoyed most, office managing partner. He managed the Albuquerque office until his retirement in 1995. Jim’s interests included music and sports. From elementary school through college, he enjoyed playing trumpet in the marching band and was called upon to play “Taps” for many military funerals in his hometown. Jim was pleased to have been on the Shidler High School basketball team which was coached by celebrated Oklahoma athlete and NCAA coach, Jack Hartman. He greatly enjoyed golf until vision problems made it impossible for him to play. Throughout his life, Jim was recognized as a problem-solver, builder, and mentor. Long after his retirement, former colleagues contacted him to get his “straight talk” and thoughtful advice. He was instrumental in establishing scholarships and endowments at Northeastern State University, Oklahoma State University, the University of New Mexico, and Truman State University. He also took leadership roles in civic endeavors, working with Junior Achievement in Oklahoma and United Way in New Mexico. And with family and friends he was consistently loyal and generous. Jim will be greatly missed by his family – Mary Bramlett LaBorde; Pam LaBorde Benjamin and husband Bob; Brian and Katie Benjamin and children Everett and Vivian; Brad and Ellie Benjamin; Michael Benjamin; and A.J. Bramlett and sons Daylen and Drew. He was preceded in death by Sue LaBorde and their son Rick LaBorde. A service will be held at Moore Funeral Home – Southlawn Chapel in Tulsa, Saturday, August 7, 11:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Northeastern State University Foundation The Doors Scholarship 812 N. Cedar Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464 http://www.nsugiving.com/donate. Bugles Across America NFP c/o Tom Day, Founder 1824 S. Cuyler Ave. Berwyn, Illinois 60402-2052 https://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/