James Wesley Sexson, also known as Bud, Dad, Coach and Principal Sexson passed away peacefully February 11, 2026, while holding the hand of the love of his life.

From the moment he entered the world, Bud was the calm after the storm. He was born on August 1, 1955, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma after his mother survived an encounter with a tornado. Time slowed, the winds settled, and he arrived weighing just 2 pounds, 9 ounces, three months premature. Against all odds, he survived, earning the nickname the “Sapulpa Miracle Baby.”

Bud grew up surrounded by love, raised by his parents, James Charles and Evelyn Lee Sexson, alongside his loving sisters, Judy (Pound) and Bobbi Sexson. Like many children of the 1960s, his childhood was filled with sandlot baseball games, Friday night lights, and jam sessions on the back of a pickup truck. He had a special and close relationship with his father, who coached him in baseball and taught him the joy of fishing.

He graduated from Oklahoma State University, which, apart from his family, was the second great love of his life. With his steady presence and heart of gold, Bud found his calling in education, serving as both teacher and principal. He began his career at Sapulpa High School where many know him as Coach Sexson. There he taught woodworking while coaching football and wrestling. From there he moved to Enid, Oklahoma where he began his administrative career. This is where he found his true love of teaching teachers. In Bartlesville, he served as an assistant principal at Bartlesville Mid High before becoming principal of Madison Middle School where he would spend 10 years cultivating a sense of family amongst his staff while also constantly pursuing the most innovative curriculums he could for his students. At Joplin East Middle School, he played an essential role in the reconstruction of his school after it was devastated by the 2011 tornado, always keeping student learning in his mind while designing what he called “the perfect learning environment.” He was known for making biscuits and gravy for his teachers, showing up to every sporting event, and cheering proudly for every student as if they were his own.

It was while he was teaching in Sapulpa that he met the love of his life, Leslie. They married in 1983 and went on to share 42 wonderful years together, building a life centered on family, laughter, and devotion. Bud and Leslie raised three children: Kara (Sexson) Cooper, James (Cory) Sexson, and Erin (Sexson) Lewis and later welcomed their spouses into the family: Grant, John, and Morgan. While the children were young, they spent countless summers at Bluestem Lake, where days were filled with camping, fishing, boating, and tubing, and evenings were spent swapping stories and enjoying the simple joy of being side by side. Bud coached Erin’s softball teams while supporting every dance, vocal concert and soccer game of Kara and Cory. In time, Bud was promoted to his favorite role of all, Papa Bud. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Reese Cooper, Kallie Cooper, Eli Cooper, Evelyn Sexson Plant, Elliot Sexson Plant, and June Lewis. In his own words, being a Dad and Papa was the greatest joy of his life.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Comforting Hands Hospice of Grove, Oklahoma, whose devoted care, kindness, and compassion supported Bud and our family throughout his two-year journey with ALS.

In memory of Bud Sexson, please consider making a donation to Bud’s Besties 2026 Walk ALS Team where funds are donated to finding a cure for ALS. 

Memorial service details will be posted at a later date.