James Jay Mollette

Jim Mollette, 89, of Claremore, Oklahoma, passed away on January 11, 2024. Born on October 28, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jim was guided by his strong Christian faith and his love of languages and teaching others. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Jim is survived by his daughters Katherine Anne (Mollette) Spurr and her husband Robert Spurr, and Elizabeth Mae (Mollette) Grundy and her husband Curtis Grundy, and his son James Philip Mollette, and his wife Julie Mollette. He was a cherished grandfather to Kody Karhliker, Taylor Karhliker, Joshua Grundy, Jared Grundy, Cullen Mollette, Caitlin (Mollette) McAtee, Carolyn Mollette, and Carleigh Mollette. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Olivia and Theodore Karhliker.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, John Richard Mollette, his mother, Mabel Caroline (Swenson) Mollette, and his beloved wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Ruth (Ling) Mollette.

Jim's educational journey began at South St. Paul High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he graduated in 1953. He then went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in German Literature with a minor in Russian Literature from the University of Minnesota in 1960. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Jim obtained a Master's of Divinity Degree from Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, IL.

Jim proudly served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957. He attended the Army Language School in Monterey, CA, where he studied the Russian language, utilizing his skills for the U.S. government upon completing his military service and college education.

In 1974, Jim moved his family to Lincoln, IL and taught at Lincoln Christian College after obtaining his Master's of Divinity Degree. In 1988, Jim and his wife relocated to Hong Kong to serve as Christian missionaries. For the next 30 years, he dedicated himself to teaching at the Chinese Christian Seminary in Hong Kong, where he found immense joy in nurturing and guiding his students to become disciples of the Christian faith. Jim actively participated in Fairview Park Christian Church in Hong Kong, forming deep connections with its members.

Outside of his professional life, Jim had a passion for photography, particularly capturing the beauty of flowers and Western U.S. landscapes. He was gifted in learning and teaching many languages and continued to teach himself new languages throughout his lifetime. Jim also loved to travel, both internationally and within the United States, with a particular fondness for the desert landscapes of the Western U.S.

A graveside service will be held in Huntington, West Virginia, where Jim will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Elizabeth Ruth (Ling) Mollette.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Central Christian Church in Claremore, Oklahoma or to a charity of your choice.

MSM Payne Funeral Home in Claremore, OK, is assisting the family with the arrangements.