James A. Tyeska Sr. was born December 22, 1927 in Oklahoma City, OK to Bill and Thelma Tyeska.

He moved to Coffeyville as a youth and attended Old Cleveland Elementary School, Field Kinley High and Coffeyville Community College.

He served in the U.S. Army before marrying the love of his life, Norvella Roberts (deceased), they had three children Stephanie Tyeska Cole (Clarence), James A. Tyeska II (deceased) and Barbara Tyeska Dixion (Dwayne). 

He was exceptionally fond of his grandchildren, Melissa Freeman, Tiffany Dixon, Nicholas Cole (Christina), along with his great-grands and great-great granddaughter.

James served the Coffeyville community for over 60 years through the Ritz Club, a founder of the Community Homecoming and in the late 70s he, along with his wife formed the Coffeyville Concerned Citizens.  He has been a life member of the Bethel AME Church.  He was honored to served the Youth Activity Center where he worked for over 30 years. 

James was reunited with his family in heaven on July 1, 2013.  Service will be Saturday July 6th at 11 a.m. in the James A. Tyeska Activity Center in Coffeyville. Burial is to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations to further support the James A. Tyeska Youth Activity Center.