Mike was born in Oklahoma City to Virgil James and his then-wife Kathryn Jo, who later married Ray Foley; Ray and Jo raised Mike through most of his childhood, but Mike kept in constant contact with his father Virgil. Mike attended Western Heights High School in Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma University with a Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Land Management. He subsequently worked as a Land Man for several oil companies, living at different times in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Denver, and Vernal, Utah. He also worked as a contract manager for The City of Oklahoma City.One of Mike's proudest achievements was his membership in the OU Ruf/Neks, especially his service as the organization's president in 1978. He was also an intrepid world traveler, having visited over 50 countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.He married his wife, Thongboo Black on October 21, 2009 and for several years they lived in Khon Kaen, Thailand with her family. Mike had a particular love of Thailand and its culture.Health issues led Mike to an early retirement and some difficult final years, but he continued to follow the progress of the Ruf/Neks and its alumni with singular fervor. For him, friendships were among the most precious parts of his life.Mike was preceded in death by his father Virgil James, his step-father Ray Foley, his beloved grandparents Virgil and Veda Brannon, his sister Vicki Randall, and his nephew Zachary Randall. He is survived by his mother, Jo Foley, his wife Thongboo Black, and his brother-in-law Mike Randall.There will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM, Friday, July 20th, in the Chapel at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7801 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City. Casual dress is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for a Ruf/Nek Scholarship Fund in Mike's name atwww.gofundme.com/the-mike-james-rufnek-scholarship