As chairman and president of First Oklahoma Corporation and owner of the Full Circle Bookstore, James Tolbert III has found plenty of professional success, but it is his work in the community that distinguishes him in a crowd.
Throughout his life, he has generously shared his time and talent with many organizations, institutions and people. He has been actively involved in development in Oklahoma City's Bricktown since the 1980s and was one of the leaders of the Myriad Botanical Gardens project, serving as chairman of the Myriad Gardens Foundation and a member of the Myriad Gardens Authority. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Dean McGee Eye Institute, serving on the board for more than 40 years.
His wife, Beth, is a native of Oklahoma City and an active community volunteer. She served on the Metropolitan Library Commission for a number of years, including three terms as chair, as well as the Oklahoma City Arts Council and Oklahoma City Arts Commission.
Jim served as Trustee of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation from 1985-94, during which time he also filled the role of board chair. The Tolberts have made numerous contributions to endowment funds at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, supporting organizations including Myriad Gardens and other charitable interests.