James "Pookie" Herrod Sr.

James Leon Herrod Sr. (Pookie) passed away peacefully at his home on September 15, 2022. He was born into the loving home of Leonard Herrod and Alice (Kornegay) Herrod on October 23, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Pookie received his education in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Faver High School in 1955. He went on to serve his Country as a Communication Tech in the United States Navy upon his retirement he went on to serve as a civilian with the Department of Defense.

Pookie was introduced to his wife, Tomye Lea McCauley (Cauley) by a friend at a football game their senior year of high school (1955). Pookie and Cauley met again in the fall of 1955 at Langston College. They attended Langston College on music scholarships and were both members of the band.

Pookie was married to Cauley for sixty loving years and out of this union they were blessed with five adoring children: Debra, James, Jr., Anthony, Michael, and Michele. His passion was his family. Pookie’s favorite activity was spending time with his loving wife and children. He also enjoyed Redskins football, hunting, fishing, as well as listening to the blues and jazz music.

Left to cherish his memory is a daughter, Debra Lynn Taylor and son-in-law, Jeffrey Taylor; son, James Leon Herrod, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Lillian Herrod; son, Anthony Lamar Herrod and daughter-in-law, Karen Herrod; son, Michael Leonard Herrod; daughter-in-law, Robyn Toles-Herrod and daughter, Michele Lenise Herrod; his sister Frances Morris, half-brother Tony Herrod, and of course his TJ café wait staff who he considered a second family.  He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 24th from 10:00 – 11:00 am, with the service following at 11:00 am, all at Longview Funeral Home, 12700 SE Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64149. Interment will follow in Longview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the American Heart Association or a charitable organization of your choice.