James “Jim” S. Drennan
NORMAN - Our beloved, healthy, and vibrant husband, father, and “Pops” is now in the presence of his Creator and Redeemer. He is reunited with his parents, John C. and June Drennan, and treasured grandparents, John and Ella Skalnik. James “Jim”
Skalnik Drennan was taken from this earth much too soon when he was killed in a car collision on the morning of April 5th, 2022.
Jim was born in Enid, Oklahoma and resided in
Medford, Oklahoma for his entire childhood until he graduated from high school as salutatorian. It was during those formative years that he fostered his love of music, education, and sports. He played both varsity high school basketball and football as well as the trumpet and baritone. He was a member of All-Regional Honor Band for three years and Tri-State honor band for two. He was president of his sophomore class, a member of the student council, and a member of the National and Oklahoma Honor Societies. His senior year, his sister, Mary (Drennan) Dickey, introduced him to Patti Hayes. Jim was a first chair trumpet player for many years and a self-proclaimed “hot shot” musician, but he was immediately humbled when he met Patti. He was smitten. This began their love affair with each other and with music. He was the love of Patti’s life and the only person she ever dated, going on their first date in 1968.
Jim and Patti both attended Oklahoma State University. There, Jim was named a Regents’ Scholar. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1972 and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Management in 1974. He was honored as one of the nation’s most outstanding industrial engineering students by winning first place in a technical paper competition sponsored by the American Institute of Industrial Engineers (AIIE). He was also awarded the coveted Saint Patrick’s Award given to the top five engineering seniors. He was president of the AIIE chapter at OSU and was the student council representative for Alpha Pi Mu, the industrial engineering honor society. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Delta Phi.
Jim played trumpet in the OSU marching band where he met his lifelong best friend Donald “Chip” Cooper. In 1970, Jim, Chip and Bob Henry formed The Bob Henry Trio and began playing music at private events. When Patti began attending OSU, she joined Jim, Chip and Bill Krah to form The Drennan Quartet. They played private parties, weddings, and had standing gigs at numerous country clubs. Jim proudly paid the majority of his college expenses himself through playing music. Patti and Jim were married on June 28th, 1975.
Jim went on to attend the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Juris Doctorate in 1977. He was editor of the Oklahoma Law Review from 1975-1977 and was also a member of the prestigious Order of the Coif.
Jim began working as an attorney for Monnet Hayes Law Firm in Oklahoma City in 1978. He worked there for 44 years and became the Managing Partner of the firm. His primary areas of practice were Oil and Gas Law, Estate Planning, and Real Estate Law. He was a member of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and the Oklahoma City Mineral Lawyers Society. His colleagues described him as an objective critical thinker and logician who could analyze any situation from countless perspectives, as well as someone who treated every single person with courtesy and respect.
A man of quiet, consistent, and fervent faith, Jim was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Norman for 47 years. He was a Deacon and attended the Changing Seasons Sunday School class. He loved playing trumpet and baritone in the church orchestra where he was a charter member. He played for over 25 years, one of the longest tenures of any player. From rehearsal to performing and from prayer time to encouraging other musicians, he was fulfilled. His love of sharing music for God was only superseded by watching his wife, Patti, daughter, Emily, and son, Adam perform and share their musical gifts and abilities. There was never a man prouder of his family!
An avid and forever fan of Oklahoma State University, Jim loved returning to the campus for football, basketball and other sporting events on a regular basis with friends of almost 50 years. Jim was also a member of the YMCA where he faithfully worked out 3 days a week for over 40 years.
Jim loved life and always had a smile on his face. His positivity was infectious. He had a quiet and calm presence that was ever inviting to people. His gift of wisdom was only surpassed by his gift of encouragement. He had a unique ability to make others feel valued and believe that they could achieve great heights. He genuinely cared about seeing others succeed and loved helping people move towards fulfilling their true potential.
We are devastated by his untimely loss, but encouraged that we will one day be reunited with him. We are honored to have his legacy live on in us and in the people who knew his character.
Jim is survived by his high school sweetheart of 54 years and wife of 47 years, Patti Drennan; daughter, Emily Drennan Lopez and son-in-law Greg and grandchildren, his namesake, Jameson, and Graham of New York City, NY; son, Adam Drennan of Dallas, TX; sister, Dr. Mary Dickey and husband Dwight of Edmond, OK; half-brother, JC Drennan of Medford, OK; half-sister, Dorothy Ukena and husband Bill of OKC, OK; brother-in-law, Jim Hayes and wife Alma and great nephew Skylar of Yale, OK; nephew, Matthew Dickey and wife Merilee and children Emma, Aubrey, and Aria of South Asia; niece, Dr. Amy Dickey of Boston, MA; and mother-in-law, June Frieouf of Medford, OK. Jim also leaves behind his best friend and confidant, Dr. Chip Cooper, and wife Peggy.
Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, April 15th, First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche St., Norman. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the James S. Drennan Memorial Orchestra Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church of Norman. We ask that both vaccinated and unvaccinated attendees wear masks. We will have immunocompromised persons in attendance and want the family to be able to grieve without masks. Masks will be available at the door.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.tribute.care (405-292-4787).