James Dartmouth Desherow

James Dartmouth Desherow, 83, of Edmond, OK, passed away peacefully on February 10th at home surrounded by loved ones.

Jim was born on April 30, 1940, in Chicago, IL to M. James Desherow and Anna Marie “Pat” Desherow. Jim grew up in Southern California along with his sister JoAnne Sanger. Jim was a standout basketball player and was named to the 1958 San Fernando All-Area team and later attended University of Oklahoma on a basketball scholarship. It was at the University of Oklahoma where he met and married his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Louise (Babiak) Desherow.  

Jim and Dorothy married on November 26, 1960, and together they raised 6 children, Edward (Jeanie), Victoria (Martin Rizzo), Douglas, Deborah (John Williams), Beau (Danielle) and Michael. In addition to their six children Jim and Dorothy have 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren: Michael Desherow, Avery Desherow, Robert Desherow (Grace), Margaux Desherow, Briston Lowry (Kim), Michael Forbes-Lowry, Gabriel Lowry, Thorin Lowry, Analese Fornier (Cameron), Mackenzie Fornier, Julian Fornier, Jacob Desherow, Hanah Desherow, Edward Desherow, Dorothy Ellinghaus (Mike), Kai Ellinghaus, Eden Ellinghaus, Jude Ellinghaus, Caroline Rohrlich (Jeremy), Isla Rohlich James Desherow, Bobby Desherow (Elliss), Luke Desherow, and John Paul Desherow.

Jim graduated from OU in 1962 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and embarked on a 50 year career as an executive in the food industry working for such companies as Wilson Foods, ConAgra, and Peer foods. Jim also attended Harvard University’s Management Program from 1976-1977 and was twice named to the Who’s Who of US Executives.

Jim will be remembered for his love of OU Football, his many fishing adventures and his sense of humor..