Jimmy Joe O'Quinn

Jimmy Joe O’Quinn of Pocola, OK, passed away on April 29, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR. He was 63.

Jimmy was born October 9, 1961, in Wichita Falls, TX. He graduated from Porter (OK) High School in 1979 before attending college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, earning a BS degree in Pharmacy in 1985. Upon graduation, he gained valuable clinical experience at Shriners Burn Center in Galveston, TX, before moving to the Fort Smith area. After working at MediSav pharmacy, he began his tenure at Mercy Hospital in 1991, where he worked for the remainder of his life. It was here that he met his wife, DeRhonda Swink—a union that would last over 30 years.

Jimmy Joe was loved by everyone. He was generous to a fault, selfless in his pursuit to put others first. His work ethic was impeccable, always early to work and willing to cover shifts for others. He mentored and trained many young pharmacists, and was a trusted resource to the doctors and nurses he served. He had a unique ability to put those around him at ease, always quick with a joke or a story. His sense of humor was well-timed and on point, and his playful approach cultivated a spirit of harmony in any situation.  

He loved the outdoors, and though he golfed and fished in his earlier years, more recently he preferred the solitude of hiking or birdwatching on the back porch with his special cat friends, Cody and Cheetos. It brought him joy to keep and tend a garden, despite the constant threat of the deer enjoying the fruits of his labor each season. He enjoyed sports in general, but OU football and horse racing were among his favorites. Travel was also a passion, and he and DeRhonda enjoyed many adventures together. Simply, he was a lover of life, optimistic in his outlook, and he enjoyed each moment as it arrived. Surely, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, DeRhonda, of the home; three daughters, Tasha Olsen and husband, Anthony, of Harvest, AL, Traci O’Quinn of Tishomingo, OK, and Trisha Cain and husband, Lucus, of Carter, OK; one son, Luke O’Quinn and wife, Erin, of Fairfield, OH; eight grandchildren, Braden, Bryson, Karlee, Jayden, Lexi, Phineas, Emberlee, and Kashtyn; father, Joe O’Quinn of Port Isabel, TX; brother, Gerry O’Quinn (Brenda) of Wagoner, OK; sister Sherry Brooks (Kevin) of Destin, FL; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Swink of Pocola, OK, and Jody Swink (Janis) of Stigler, OK; four nieces and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jimmie Carol O’Quinn, and his brother, William Michael O’Quinn.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Lewis Funeral Chapel, Located at 4817 Kelley Highway, Fort Smith, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Artemis Project on Facebook, or online at theartemisprojectrescue.org. 

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