James H. Hallett

James “Jim” Henderson Hallett, 84, of Nowata, Oklahoma, passed away on June 1, 2026, at his residence in Nowata peacefully in the arms of the love of his life, Mirta “Mickey” Hallett.

Jim was born in Nowata, Oklahoma, on September 24,1941, to John Hallett and Dolly (Reynolds) Topping. He grew up in Nowata, graduating with the Nowata High School class of 1960. After graduating, Jim joined the United States Army on July 19, 1961, and served until July 16, 1963. He continued to serve as an Army Reserve until July 18, 1967.

After Jim was discharged from the Army, he returned home and began working at the National Zinc Corporation, also known as “Zinc” in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he worked for several years before retiring. In the late 1970s, Jim was the Town Marshall for the City of Delaware. Though Jim had been serving as a reserve deputy for the Nowata County Sheriff’s Office since 1980, he began his full-time career working at the Nowata County Sheriff’s Office, as a temporary deputy in August of 1991. A few short years later, in December of 1994, Jim was promoted to Undersheriff of the Nowata County Sheriff’s Office, and on December 15, 1997, Jim took the position of the Nowata County Sheriff. A position that he worked for 17 years, proudly protecting and serving the citizens of Nowata County, until his retirement on May 31, 2015.

Jim was with the love of his life, Mirta “Mickey” B. Hallett, for 46 years before his passing. Throughout the years, Jim had many interests which included coon hunting, steer wrestling, reading, and watching westerns. In his free time, Jim loved spending time with Mickey and taking her out to eat and visiting with friends and family. Another thing that Jim enjoyed after retirement was staying in the loop when law enforcement officers and deputies would stop by to visit him.

Jim was a member and board member of the Oklahoma Reserve Officers Association for numerous years and was a 32nd Degree Mason and lifetime member of the Sunset Masonic Lodge #57 in Nowata. In August of 2009, Jim was honored in the Sheriff’s Hall of Fame. Jim can also be credited, along with State Representative, Gary Taylor, in writing the Hallett Bill.

Above all, Jim cherished time with his family and friends. His steady presence, warm heart, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents: John Hallett and Dolly Topping; his nephew: Ricky Hallett; his brother-in-law: Rudy Rodriguez and his long-time friend: Jessie Martin.

Those left to cherish the memory of Jim include his wife: Mirta “Mickey” B. Hallett; his children: Tim Hallett, Jeff Hallett, Jeffrey Don Bradshaw, Keith Bradshaw, and April Frauenberger; his siblings: Dolly Christiansen and husband, Larry, Richard Hallett, Johnny Hallett and wife, Kay, Gary Hallett and wife, Sheila, Roger Hallett and wife, Sandra; his brothers-in-law: Juan Rodriguez and partner, Jody Ann and Lonnie Rodriguez and wife, Paula; his 10 grandchildren; and his 7 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Jim is planned for Monday, June 8, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, in the Benjamin Funeral Service Chapel in Nowata. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at the First Church of God in Nowata with Clinton Hallett officiating. Interment will follow at the Nowata Relocated Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata, OK. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com.