Family Obituaries - J

All these obituaries are for people (or their spouse) related to my husband, me, or our grandchildren. They may not be exact wording of the actual obituary as I may have changed abbreviation to full word or added punctuation and left out some items. Most of the time I will have the hard-copy obituary that I will share. If you would like a copy of this hard-copy obituary, please send me an e-mail with "Related Obituary" in the subject line. In the message of the e-mail be sure to show the full name of the person as shown on the webpage as well as the URL for the page.

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James, C. Rector "Judge"

C. R. (Judge) James, age 75 of Benton died Tuesday. He was a member of the Gravel Hill Baptist Church, a veteran of World War I, a former supervisor of Saline County Soil District, and a retired farmer. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Daisy J. James, one son, Rodney James of Oklahoma; one brother, Virgil James of Star City; three sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Wafford, Mrs. Emma Knox, and Mrs. Ann Taylor, all of Benton; and two grandchildren. Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Ashby Funeral Chapel with burial at Gravel Hill Cemetery. (from the Benton Courier, May 19, 1971, page 10A)

James, Carry Anson

Funeral services for Carry Anson James, who died Thursday at a local hospital, will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Caruth Funeral Chapel.
Rev. H. L. (Sonny) Shuffield, pastor of the Cones Road Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Cara James, Earl James, Clomer Wilson, Thurman Wilson, Herman Traweek, and Leonard Burgess.
Honorary pallbearers will be Gilbert Johnson, Dean Martin, Tillman Mahan, Alvin Godwin, Charlie Long, Jim Droate, Chester Beason, Bob Comstock, and Arthur Comstock. (Sentinel-Record, February 3, 1963) Rootsweb WCP

James, Claude Thomas

Claude Thomas James, 73 died Monday in Odessa, Texas, where he had been a resident for the past 20 years. Mr. James was born in Garland County November 20, 1897, and had been a resident here until moving to Odessa. He was a retired carpenter, a member of the Vine Avenue Baptist Church of Odessa, a former member of the Park Place Baptist Church here, member of the Whittington Lodge, F&AM. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Paralee James of Odessa, 2 daughters, Miss Lila Marie James and Mrs. Ray Creamer both of Odessa, 2 brothers Roy James of Magnolia and Bill James of Hot Springs, one sister, Mrs. W. J. Lewallyn of Hot Springs; 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Vine Avenue Baptist Church of Odessa with the Riggs Funeral Home in charge, followed by another service when Mr. James is returned to Hot Springs. Arrangements for the second service will be announced by Gross Mortuary. (from The Sentinel-Record, February 16, 1971, page 8)

James, Connie Mae Strickland

Connie Mae Strickland James, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed peacefully from earth to heaven on January 8, 2013. She lived a life defined by faith; a life filled with love of God and family. Born April 13, 1923, to Nettie and Charlie Strickland, she began life in Calhoun County, living in the Hampton area through her teenage years. Her childhood sweetheart, Morris Rodolph James, became her loving, devoted husband and together they lived and raised their family in nearby Camden, in Ouachita County.
Connie's faith in God and her love of her church and church family were the central focus in her life. She and Morris faithfully attended Cullendale Assembly of God Church in Camden. There, they made many lifelong friends and eternal memories of adventures shared along the way. They spent seventy-one years together as husband and wife, being blessed with good health into their mid-eighties, they were able to enjoy their grandchildren and both lived to see the births of their great grandchildren.
Known as Mamaw by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, we always knew that there was a warm hug and something sweet to eat anytime we came to visit. We will miss our Mamaw, but we count ourselves as some of the lucky few that got a chance to know their grandparents well. Memories of camping trips and fishing holes, flocked Christmas trees and winter snows will still bring a smile as the years go by.
After eighty-nine years of faith on earth, she is now at home, at peace, at rest; reunited with all of her family that has preceded her, and in the presence of her God. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 10:00 to 11:00 Friday, January 11, 2013. Services will be 11:00 Friday at the funeral home. [from Proctor Funeral Home online obituary]

James, Daniel Frank

Daniel Frank James, 79, of 931 Malvern Avenue, died Saturday in a local hospital. A native of Hot Springs, he was born June 21, 1886, and had lived in Garland and Saline Counties all his life. He was a retired farmer, and a member of the Southwest Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Grace Vanderslice James, Hot Springs, and one aunt, Mrs. Mollie Robinson, Benton. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Caruth Funeral Home.

James, Fred Gammill

Fred Gammill James, 67, of 1405 Westgate Lane, a retired sales representative for Arkansas Power & Light Company, died Friday. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Ralph Robinson & Son Mortuary. (from Pine Bluff Commercial, July 28, 1990, page 5)
Funeral services for Fred Gammill James, 67, of 1406 Westgate Lane, a retired area sales representative for Arkansas Power & Light Company, who died Friday at his residence, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson & Son Mortuary with Dr. W. David Moore officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.
Born October 30, 1922, in Millville (Ouachita County), he was a son of the late Jesse V. and Jessie Gammill Jones.
He moved to Pine Bluff in 1949.
He retired in 1986 from the AP&L after 32 years of service.
He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Pine Bluff.
He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He was active in all levels of the National Homebuilders Association until his retirement. He was a member of the Abana Masonic Lodge at Bearden and the Sahara Shrine Temple, where he served for several years as publicity chairman.
Survivors include his wife, Carol McMahan James, whom he married in 1951; a son, F. Gregory James of Pine Bluff; a daughter, Lea Ann Reed of Pine Bluff; a brother, Edwin James of Washington; a sister, Marie Neves of Panama City, Florida; and two grandchildren.
Memorials may take the form of contributions to Immanuel Baptist Church or a charity of the donor's choice. (from Pine Bluff Commercial, July 29, 1990, page 4A)

James, Jean Singleton

Benton - Jean A. James died May 6, 2002, in Benton at the age of 76. She was born on March 17, 1926, in Benton, Arkansas. Mrs James was a homemaker and a member of First Church of the Nazarene. She was born to the late Tom Singleton and Lillie Ballard Singleton Doan. She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Herbert James, four sisters, Mildred Allen, Lacie Chism, Billie Faye Green and Myrtle Richey. She is survived by two brothers J. P. Singleton and his wife, Patsy, of Benton, and Tommy Singleton of Benton, and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held on Thursday May 9, 2002, at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home Chapel at 2 pm with interment to follow at McPherson Cemetery at Salt Creek Road, Benton. Serving as pallbearers will be her nephews, Kim Singleton, Rusty Chism, Marvin Richey, David Singleton, Raine Chism, Rance Chism, Bart Singleton and Chris Singleton. Visitation will be held Wednesday,May 8, 2002, from 6-7:30 at Roller-Ballard (315-4047). Memorials may be made to a favorite charity. [Arkansas Democrat/Gazette; May 8, 2002; pg 4B] Obituary | Rootsweb WCP

James, Jefferson Columbus

Columbus James Jefferson Columbus James, aged sixty-five years, manager of the Robert S. Dortch plantation of Scotts for the past fourteen years, died at his home January 20, 5:30 p.m. He was born in Saline County December 23, 1876. He was the son of the late W. T. and Mary Jane Moore James.
He moved to Scott in 1922. He was a member of the Cedar Grove Baptist church and a member of the Keo Masonic Lodge. He was a well known and loved citizen in Scott and was considered an excellent farm manager.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Ader Robinson James; three sons, Hubert, Ellis and Robert, all of Scott; two daughters, Mrs. L. H. Parris and Mrs. S. A. Carmack of North Little Rock; and two sisters, Mrs. H. R. Green of Bauxite and Mrs. J. F. Carden of Lonsdale; two half brothers, Homer and Thomas James of Benton; and one half sister, Mrs. Altha Johnson of Benton; and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at Mount View Baptist Church by the Rev. W. J. Burgess of Little Rock and the Rev. O. C. Robinson of Saline County. Burial was in the James Cemetery with Masons in charge. [from the Benton Courier, January 29, 1942, page 8]

James, Jennie Williford

Jennie "Eloise" Jones, 86, of Hot Springs died Monday, March 5, 2001, in a Conway hospital. Born July 5, 1914, in Hot Springs to Arthur and Stella Hanor Williford, she was a retired Levi Hospital nurse and member of Pullman Heights Methodist Church. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Luther S. James, Sr.; one son, Luther S. James, Jr.; one daughter, Patricia Wuneburger Stell; and one brother, Luther Eugene Williford. Survivors include 2 daughters, Barbara Heard of Mountainburg and Belinda Tankersley of Conway; one son, John James of Nashville; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Services will be 2 pm Saturday at Gross Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Hugh Stultz officiating. Afterward, the family will be at the home of Cindy Hogue. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. (Sentinel-Record) Rootsweb WCP

James, Jesse Lehman

Jessie L James Dies, Life County resident.
Jessie L James, 79, a retired farmer and lifetime resident of Garland County, died this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. J .Lewellyn, 620 Mt Valley. He was a member of the Baptist church. Other survivors include three sons, Claude James, Odessa, Texas, Bill and Roy James, Hot Springs, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Caruth Funeral Home. (from The Sentinel-Record, December 25, 1951, page 21)

James, Jesse Valentine

Jesse V. James, 79, of 630 Chestnut Street, died today at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired farmer and former postmaster at Millville.
Mr. James was a son of the late V. M. and Mary Ann Frazier James. He had been a Pine Bluff resident the past ten years.
He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Jessie Gammill James; three sons, Charles James of Eureka, California, and Edwin James and Fred James, both of Pine Bluff; a daughter, Mrs. Vaughn Neves of Panama City, Florida; a brother, J. L. James of Bearden; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Ralph Robinson & Son Mortuary. (from Pine Bluff Commerical, April 12, 1965, page 12)
Funeral services for Jesse V. James, 79, of 630 Chestnut Street, who died Monday, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Ralph Robinson & Son Mortuary by Dr. L. H. Coleman and Reverend Lex Eaker. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery near Bearden.
Pallbearers will be W. P. Chapman, Harry Evans, L. C. Jenks, Charles Triplett, Curtin Atwood, Amos C. Deitz, C. M. Burks and Charles Deitz. (from Pine Bluff Commercial, April 13, 1965, page 12)

James, Jessie Blanche Gammill

Funeral services for Jessie Blanche Gammill James, 91, of 801 Wisconsin Street, a former elementary school teacher, who died Tuesday at Jefferson Regional Medical Center, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Ralph Robinson & Son Mortuary with the Rev. Larry Woolley officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Salem Cemetery at Bearden with the Rev. Harold Harper officiating.
Born June 29, 1897, in the Millville Community (Ouachita County), she was a daughter of the late William Daniel and Almeda Padgett Gammill. She was the widow of Jesse Valentine James, who died in 1965.
She was a member of the Broadmoor Baptist Church. She attended Magnolia A&M (now Southern Arkansas University) and received her teacher's degree from Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) at Conway. She taught school at Bearden, Millville, Eagle Mills and Ogemaw.
Survivors include two sons, Fred James and Edwin James, both of Pine Bluff; a daughter, Marie Nevers of Panama City, Florida; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. (from Pine Bluff Commercial, August 17, 1988, page 6A)

James, Lamar Watt

Little Rock - Lamar Watt James, 65, of Pine Bluff, died Friday at Central Baptist Church here.
He was a retired clerk for the Cotton Belt Railroad. He had served in the armed forces during World War II.
He was a member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church.
Survivors nclude his wife, Mrs. Violet Harris James; a daughter, Mrs. James W. Smith of Pine Bluff; a brother, Laverne James of Pine Bluff; and a sister, Mrs. Marion Davis of Fort Worth.
Graveside services were Saturday at Center Grove Cemetery near Sheridan by Reverend Lowery Smith. Burial was by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan. (from Pine Bluff Commercial, June 5, 1977, page 8)

James, Leveda Cox

Caddo Valley - Leveda James, 79, of Caddo Valley died Tuesday, September 29, 1998, in an Arkadelphia hospital.
Born April 9, 1919, in Amity to Mart and Sadie Gardner Cox, she was a homemaker and member of Caddo Valley Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her husbands, Melvin Howell and S. A. James.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Royce and Betty Howell of Caddo Valley; a sister, Elsie Fox of Murfreesboro; a brother, Hollis Cox of Arkansas; and a grandson, Todd Howell.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Caddo Valley Cemetery with the Rev. Phillip Runyan officiating.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caddo Valley Baptist Church parking lot fund.
Arrangements are by Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, Arkadelphia. (Sentinel-Record) Rootsweb WCP

James, Lilburn Robert

Lilburn James
Lilburn James, aged twenty-six years, died January 28th, 1934. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Eliza Cornett of Haskell; three brothers, Ed, Fred and Orville James, of Benton; and two sisters, Mrs. Joe Robinson and Mrs. Lena Robinson, also of Benton. Funeral services were held at two p.m. at the First Baptist Church in charge of the pastor, Rev. J. G. Cothran.
A precious one from them is gone, A voice they loved is stilled; A place is vacant in their home, That never can be filled. On, the home will be so lonely, When the family gathers there; For the circle now is broken, There is now a vacant chair. Over yonder in teh church yard, There is now a new made mound; And the form that is so cherished Has been laid beneath the ground. Dear ones let this be a warning, God has taken oen we love; Let us be prepared to meet him, In a paradise of love. A friend, Mattie Lee Holden [from the Benton Courier, February 1, 1923, page 8] Rootsweb WCP

James, Locie Gladys Chastain

Benton--Locie Gladys Chastain James, 88, of Benton died Tuesday, Feb 19, 2002, at Saline Memorial Hosp. She was born April 27, 1913, at Paron to the late Jesse Chastain and Katie Fowler Chastain. Mrs James was a homemaker and a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Benton, where she attended the T.E.L. Sunday School class. At First Baptist she worked in the Sunshine Circle and sang with the Morning Glories in the Senior Adult Choir. Her husband, Orville James; her brothers--Leonard, J. W., Jesse, and Carrol Chastain; and a sister, Lenora Duncan, preceded her in death. Survivors are her son, Gerald James and wife Betty of Little Rock; grandchildren--Jan Fairman and husband Jeff of Little Rock and Greg James of Little Rock; great-granddaughter, Hannah Caroline Fairman of Little Rock; sister, Lovella Terry of Benton; and her nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 22, 2002, in the Chapel of Roller-Ballard F H (315-4047) by Dr Rick Grant. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Pallbearers are Thurman Jones, Lacy Landers, Jimmy Powers, Paul McCormac, Dr. Jim Porter, and Randy Porter. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Duncan, Bobby Robinson, Raymond Thomas, the T.E.L. Sunday School Class, and the Senior Adult Choir. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening, February 21, 2002, at the funeral home. Memorials may take the form of gifts to the First Baptist Church, 211 S Market St, Benton Ar 72015. (from Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, February 21, 2002, pg 4B)

James, Lota Mae Smith

Lota Mae James, 84, homemaker, died Tuesday. Service 2 p.m. Saturday, First Assembly of God. Smith, Sapulpa. [from Tulsa World, Oklahoma, September 6, 2012, page A13]

Lota Mae James, September 29, 1927 - September 4, 1912, Age 84, Cushing, Oklahoma
Passed away Monday, September 4, 2012, in Cushing Regional Hospital. A very active member of her church and the Women's Missionary Group. She was also a member of the Senior Citizen s Center.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil James and her parents Rev. Wayne and Gertrude Smith of Mounds.
Lota Mae is survived by her son, Jody James and his wife Mary Beth, of Cushing; her granddaughter, Liz Cox and husband Kristoffer and great-granddaughters, Kristabella and Jaymie of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; her brothers, Rev. Ron Smith and his wife Carolyn of Independence, Missouri, David Smith of Keys, Oklahoma, and a sister, Donna Smoot of Tulsa. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends in the Mounds, Sapulpa and Cushing communities.
Services will be Saturday, September 8, 2:00 pm First Assembly of God in Cushing. Interment will be in the Mounds Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. [from Smith Funeral Home online obituary]

James, Ludie Riter

Ludie R. James, 90, of Hot Springs died Wednesday, October 14, 1998, in a nursing home.
Born August 30, 1908, in Garland County, she was predeceased by her parents, Horace Lorenzo and Martha Elerde Ashbrook Riter; her husband, Dudge J. James; two daughters, Cleo Huchingson and Elsie James; and two grandchildren.
Survivors include five daughters, Cleta Wood of Ontario, California, Faye Hollihan of Hot Springs, Sharon Otis of Hope, Karen Maloy of Beebee and Delana Maloy of Memphis, Tennessee; two sons, Rex James of Cleburn, Texas, and John James of Hot Springs; 24 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Owensville Baptist Church with the Rev. Lewin Newcomb officiating.
Pallbearers will be Pat Hollihan, William Otis, Joe Maloy, Billy Maloy, Roger Sweet, and Gary Aaron.
Honorary pallbearers are Ronal Huchingson, Don L. Huchingson, Michael Fiolle, Robert Vargas, James Hollihan, Jr., Stephen Hollihan, Rex James II, Randy James, Gary James, Phillip James, William Otis II, Jeffrey Otis, Joe Maloy, Scott Maloy, and D. W. "Buddy" Schaer.
Burial will be in Owensville Cemetery.
Visitation will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. today.
Arrangements are by Gross Funeral Home. (Sentinel-Record) Rootsweb WCP

James, Lula Gentry Spann

Mrs. Lula Gentry Spann James, aged 76, of Vimy Ridge died Wednesday.
She was a member of the Vimy Ridge Immanuel Baptist Church and the Mabelvale Extension Homemakers Club.
She is survived by her husband, Fairl M. James; one son, Clinton D. Spann Jr. of the Sardis community; four daughters, Mrs. Geneva Davenport of Mabelvale, Mrs. Lucille Lambert of Vimy Ridge, and Mrs. Opal Moseley and Mrs. Jessie Gray, both of Little Rock; three brothers, Luther Gentry of Vimy Ridge, Elmon Gentry of California and Delmar Gentry of Sardis; one sister, Mrs. Clara Griggs of Vimy Ridge; 15 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Vimy Ridge Immanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Danny Franke and the Rev. Dewayne Hoppert officiating.
Burial will be at McPherson Cemetery at Sardis by Drummonds' Funeral Home of Little Rock.
Pallbearers will be Manuel Hobby Sr., Tommy Singley, James Thurston, Richard Weather, Roland James and Jimmy Morgan. Honorary pallbearers will be Noland James and O. C. Young.
The family will be at the James residence in Vimy Ridge. [from the Benton Courier, Thursday, February 23, 1984, page 11]

James, Luther S., Jr.

Luther S. James, Jr., 56, of Hot Springs died Friday, July 5, 1996.
He was Methodist and predeceased by his father, Luther James, Sr., and one sister, Patricia Waneburger.
Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Stacey James of Hot Springs and Kelly and Don Smith of Greenville, Texas; one son, Allen James of Blue Mountain; his mother, Eloise James of Conway; one brother, John James of Nashville; two sisters, Beard Heard of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Belinda Tankersley of Conway; the mother of his daughters, Linda James of Hot Springs; and Sue Thomas.
Services for Luther S. James, Jr., 56, of Hot Springs who died Friday, July 5, 1996, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Gross Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Carl Diffee officiating.
Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery. (Sentinel-Record) Rootsweb WCP

James, Luther S., Sr.

Luther S. James, Sr., 87, of Hot Springs died Thursday, March 23, 1995, in a local hospital.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Patricia Wuneburger Stell, and three brothers, Doyle, Tillman, and Bob James.
Survivors include his wife, Eloise James of Hot Springs; two sons, Luther S. James, Jr., of Hot Springs and John R. James of Nashville; two daughters, Barbara Heard of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Belinda Tankersley of Conway; one brother, Ralph James of Hot Springs; two sisters, Dena Martin of Texarkana and Ann Martin of Fairview, California; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
Services will be at 10 a.m. today in the Gross Funeral Home Chapel with Brother J. W. Koon officiating.
Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery. (Sentinel-Record) Rootsweb WCP

James, Marie Hall

Marie James, 82, of Hot Springs, died Friday, April 23, 1993, in a local hospital.
She was born in July 12, 1910, in Garland County, and was a lifetime resident. She was the former co-owner of Tip Top Grocery Stores in Hot Springs with her late husband, Louis James. She was a member of Sulphur Springs Missionary Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Janice Peters and Lorraine Davis, both of Hot Springs; a son-in-law Wayne Davis of Hot Springs; two sisters-in-law, Hazel Dale of Hot Springs and Norma Sue Hall of Tulsa, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Mark Davis of Cabot, Susan Kelly of Moody, Alabama, Donna Morehart of Newport and Patti Davis and Debbie Adams, both of Hot Springs; six great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday in Hot Springs Funeral Home Chapel with Brothers Wesley Howard and Calvin Isenhower officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Sulphur Springs Missionary Baptist Church. (Sentinel-Record) Rootsweb WCP

James, Martha Ellen Robinson

Mrs. Ellen James, over 80 years old, of the Whittington community, died Tuesday night. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. C. Cothran Thursday morning at Center Hill Church. Burial at the James Cemetery. Mrs. James had lived in Dyer township all her life. Mr. James died two years ago. She is survived by one son, Frank, and one daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Garner. (from the Benton Courier, February 28, 1935, page 8)

James, Morris Rodolph

Morris Rodolph James, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather died February 10, 2011. His life on earth was lived with a humble grace and dignity. A quick wit and mischievous smile made him easy to like and irresistible to love. Born in Hampton on the 28th of August, 1921, Morris lived in Calhoun and Ouachita counties for most of his life. He enjoyed the outdoors and could often be found fishing on a lake or exploring an unknown forest. His skill in the garden provided family and friends with delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers. Morris also cherished his family, while providing a warm and loving home he gave us the greatest gift of all, his time. Known as Granddaddy by his five grandchildren, he always made time for us and made each one the center of attention when we were with him. Morris served his country as he did his family, with honor and distinction. He is a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Philippines during World War II. He was honorably discharged after being wounded in combat, receiving numerous medals for his service including the Purple Heart. Upon his return from the service he began work in Camden with the International Paper Company. His mechanical aptitude landed him in the maintenance department and from there his skill led him to become a heavy equipment operator, serving in that capacity until his retirement A man of deep and unwavering faith, Morris reunites with a host of family and friends in his new heavenly home. Connie James, his wife, his "one and only" for 71 years remains here on earth to be loved and cherished until it is her time to rejoin her faithful and devoted husband. We shall all miss our Granddaddy but we hold in our heart and mind the many things he taught us and the fine example of how to live a life. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 13, 2011, at Proctor Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. [from Proctor Funeral Home online obituary]

James, Octavia

Mrs. Octavia James. Funeral services for Mrs. Octavia James, 59, who died Thursday at a local hospital, will be held today at 2 p.m. at Gravel Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Clarence Shell, Owensville Baptist church pastor, will officiate and burial will be at Gravel Hill. Pallbearers will be Lawrence Knox, Marvin Robinson, Doyle Robinson, Carl Manning, Gerald James, and Ed James. Caruth Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. [from Sentinel-Record, March 1, 1978, page 8]

James, Orville Jesse

Orville Jesse James, aged 72, of Benton, a retired grocer, died Saturday.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton and a veteran of World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Locie Chastain James; one son, Gerald James of Little Rock; two sisters, Mrs. Rena Robinson of Benton and Mrs. Lena Cooper of Little Rock; and two grandchildren.
Funeral was to be at 10 a.m. today at Ashby Funeral Home with the Rev. Bernes K. Selph officiating. Burial was to be at Pinecrest Memorial Park. [from the Benton Courier, Monday, September 12, 1973, page 7, column 1-2]

James, Roger Dale

Youth center employee electrocuted; second accidental death this week
A 26-year-old Benton man today became the second fatality this week at the Alexander Youth Services Center, after a CB antenna he was moving struck several power lines at about 8:30 a.m.
Roger James of 911 Tulane was pronounced dead at 9:15 a.m. today at Saline Memorial Hospital, and Coroner George Canada has ruled he died of accidental electrocution. A 18-year-old student at the center who was helping him remained hospitalized today, but was reported to be alert and apparently in satisfactory condition.
Another center employee, 24-year-old Larry Peters of Benton, drowned Monday after falling from a fishing boat in a shallow pond at the center. He and a co-worker were off-duty and had been fishing when that accident occurred.
In both instances, fellow employees administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in futile efforts to revive the victims.
Kent Peto, interim superintendent at the center, said today that James had been employed on the maintenance staff at the center since February 5, 1978. He and the student were attempting to move a CB antenna mounted next to a building when the pole apparently "got away from them" and struck three electrical lines leading to the buildings, Peto said.
The two were spotted by Dennis Walpole, a demolition worker who was on a nearby rooftop, Peto explained. He, tom Wolfe and Tony Givens ran fro the demolition site to the two shock victims and attempted to administer aid, and were quickly joined by youth center employees.
CPR techniques were applied by Bob Seybourn, Shirley Raper, Wilma Bessent and Mary Spencer, all employees of the center, the superintendent said. Some of them had been involved in the recovery and attempted resuscitation of Peters Monday.
"I don't understand precisely what happened, whether the pole got away from them or whether they were trying to walk it down to the ground. I just don't know," Peto said. "I measured that pole and if it had just fallen, it shouldn't have landed on those lines."
Emergency vehicles called included the Benton Fire Department rescue unit and two ambulances from Ashby ambulance Service. Canada said he has requested a routine autopsy in the case, but is "certain" of the cause of death.
Funeral arrangements for James remain incomplete. Survivors include his wife, Regina; two children; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roland James; two brothers, Jerry and Gary; and a sister, Nancy. [from the Benton Courier, Thursday, June 12, 1980, page 1]

Roger Dale James, aged 26, of Benton, who died Thursday, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ashby Funeral Chapel with Dr. W. A. Dillard and the Rev. Ray Branscum officiating. Burial will be at Gravel Hill Cemetery.
He was an employee of the Alexander Youth Services Center and a student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He was a member of the Spring Creek Missionary Baptist church and a Vietnam veteran.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Regina Cash James; one son, Brady Landon James of the home; one daughter, Shelly Dail James of the home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roland E. James of Benton; two brothers, Jerry Lynn James and Gary Wayne James of Benton; one sister, Nancy lee James of Benton; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl James of Benton.
The family will be at the Roland James residence, Benton. [from the Benton Courier, Friday, June 13, 1980, page 13]

James, Samuel Buchanan "Buck"

Dies in Texas
Samuel James, better known as Buck James, died at his home at Crandall, Texas, March 16th. Mr James was fifty-eight years old, and lived in Saline County all his life till February, 1914, when he went to Oklahoma and later went to Texas where he died. His wife and daughter are now at the home of Henry Dickinson at Benton. Mrs. James has been sick four months and is still in bed but is slowly improving.
Mr. James has many friends who will be sorry to learn of his death. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. May they submit to Him who doeth all things well. It was once appointed unto man to die. After that, the judgment. So death is coming. May God help us to prepare to meet on that bright and happy shore where parting comes no more.
A Friend. [from the Benton Courier, April 6, 1916, page 2]

James, Sibyl Madeira Lowman

September 23, 1921 - June 23, 2003
Little Rock - Sibyl Madeira Lowman "Mimi" James, 81, of Little Rock, formerly of Pine Bluff, died June 23, 2003, at Northridge Retirement Center at North Little Rock.
She was born September 23, 1921, at Pine Ridge (Montgomery County), a daughter of the late Moody Lowman and Bess Wafford Lowman.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, L. T. James, whom she married on June 15, 1940; and one sister, Jemmie Lowman Jones.
Survivors include one daughter, Vanya James Abbott of Little Rock; one sister, Edwina Lowman Hawkins of Houston; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. today in Graceland Cemetery with Bill McGarrity officiating. Arrangements are by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors of Pine Bluff.
Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Arkansas, 4922 West Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. (from Pine Bluff Commercial, June 25, 2003, page 7A)

James, Tilden Herbert

Tilden Herbert James of Benton died Sunday, Feb 26, 1995. He was 79. He was retired from Reynolds Metals. He was a WW II US Army veteran and a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Benton. Survivors are his wife, Jean Singleton James; 3 brothers, Sam James of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Bill James and Joe James of Benton; 2 sisters, Fern Love of Benton and Ethel Giuntini of West Memphis, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be at 2 pm Tuesday at Ballard Funeral Home with the Rev. Leroy Spradling officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery on Salt Creek Road. Family visitation will be from 6:30 - 8 tonight at the funeral home. Obituary | Rootsweb WCP

James, Virgil Melton

Virgil Melton James, aged 80, of Star City, a retired farmer, died Monday. He was a Baptist. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Helen James; three sons, Don, Jerry, and Charles James of Benton; a daughter, Ann James Perdue of Pine Bluff; two sisters, Emma Knox of San Antonio, Texas, and Anne Taylor Benton; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Griffin Funeral Service. Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery at Crigler (Lincoln County). [from the Arkansas Gazette, August 3, 1988]

James, William Bettis "Bill"

Bill James of Benton died Monday. He was 73.
He was a retired lab analyst with Alcoa where he worked for 28 years, a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of Highland Heights Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife, Martha Kathleen James; two sons, Terry James and Robin James of Benton; his stepmother, Pink James of Camden; five brothers, Willis James and Morris James of Camden, Mitchell James of Little Rock, Jack James of Rockport, Oregon, and Ernest James of El Dorado; a sister, Katherine Wilson of Camden; and four grandchildren, Terry James Jr., Christian James, Nathan James and Ashley James, all of Benton.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Ballard funeral Home with the Revs. Steve Butler and Bob Stuckey officiating. Burial will follow at New Rosemont Cemetery by Ballard Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jack McKinley, Marvin Gay, Ronnie Joe Hutchison, Clyde Spann, Freddy Burton and Ray Love. Honorary pallbearers will be Orville Edwards, Hubert Chenault and Teddy Carter.
Visitation will be from 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.
The family will be a 2507 Brookwood in Benton. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Cancer Research Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, the Care Center, P.O. Box 1556, Benton AR 72015 or Highland Heights Baptist Church, 1421 Alcoa Road, Benton, AR 72015. [from the Benton Courier, Wednesday, October 28, 1992, page 2A]

James, William M.

W. M. James, 84, died yesterday morning at his home on the Little Rock Highway near Owensville. He had resided in Saline County all his life and engaged in farming there. Besides his widow he is survived by a son, Frank James, one daughter, Mrs. L. D. Garner, both of Owensville; two brothers, Daniel James, Hot Springs, and Jessie James, Little Rock Highway. Funeral services will be conducted at Center Hill church Friday at ? p.m. with burial in Center Hill Cemetery. (from The Sentinel-Record, January 27, 1933 - Friday)

James, William R. "Jesse"

W. R. "Jesse" James Sr., 79, of Hot Springs, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, in Hot Springs.
He was born in Scott on Feb. 13, 1929, to William Robert and Daisy Welch James. He is survived by his son, Richard James and wife Suzie, of Little Rock; his daughter, Nancy James Moore and husband Kim, of Pearcy; granddaughters, Greta James, Emily James, Hannah Moore, Rebekah Moore and Abigail Moore.
Jesse grew up in Benton, served in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War and returned to Arkansas. Jesse worked as an electrician for Arkansas Power & Light Co. for several years before taking a position with Cordell Tackle Co. He began James Flying Service because he loved flying. He chartered flights, both privately and corporately across the United States, as well as serving as an air ambulance flight service.
Jesse was a hardworking, frugal individual with a multitude of skills and maxims to live by. He enjoyed working on the farm, fishing, traveling and time with friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home chapel, with Brother Paul Henegar and Jim Lucas, officiating.
Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at James Cemetery in Benton.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. this evening at the funeral home.
Special thanks to Patty Woolley, Gary and Cory Davis, the staff at St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center Emergency Department, Dr. George, and the staff of the Advance Care Center.
Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com. (Sentinel-Record, February 5, 2009, page 9A) Rootsweb WCP

James, William Robert

W. R. James, one of Saline County's most substantial citizens, died at the family home at Jamestown 14 miles west of Benton, Wednesday. His age was 59 years. Burial was at Gravel Hill Cemetery Thursday afternoon. (from the Benton Courier, January 16, 1930, page 1)
In Memory of W. R. James. My dear pa, he is gone; how we miss him so. He took ill Christmas day and was sick 21 days. he had been in bad health for the last 3 years. He left us January 15, 1930, about 1:30 o'clock. He was 59 years and one month old. How we hated to see him go. It is so lonesome without him. We look at his chair; it looks so lonesome. Everywhere we go, everywhere we look, we see something that reminds us of pa. 'Our home is so sad without him.' About 3 days before he passed away he called me to his bed--hugged and kissed me, kissed mother and Aunt Anna and then looked up at us all and smiled the smile that made me think of angels. I know my dear pa went to heaven; he said he was prepared to go but he wanted to get well. I want to live a life so I can meet him where we ill never part no more. I am pa's baby and mother told pa she would never take me away from him. Written by his granddaughter, Eldena Taylor. (from the Benton Courier, January 23, 1930, page 4)

Jenkins, Lexie Thomas

Lexie Thomas Jenkins of Benton died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 1994. She was 93.
She was a homemaker and a Methodist and was preceded in death by her husband, Carey Clay Jenkins, and two sons, W. C. Jenkins and Clifton Jenkins.
Survivors are a son, Bob Jenkins of Texas; three daughters, Della Gould and Frances Morrison of the Avilla community and DeEtta Buckelew of Benton; a brother, Murrel Thomas of Benson, Arizona; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Ballard Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Berry officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Carey Gould, Fred Gould, Jr., Jeff Gould, Patrick Shipp, Clifton Jenkins, Jr., and Eric Morrison. (Benton Courier; November 10, 1994) Rootsweb WCP

Johnson, Donald "Don"

Donald "Don" Johnson, 78, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, died September 30, 2017.
He was born September 21, 1939, to N.N. (Poley) and Nellie (Ford) Johnson.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, and sisters-in-law, C.L. Johnson (Charlotte), Howard Johnson (Bennie); son-in-law, Hugh Crumpton; and nephew, Mark Johnson.
He is survived by his childhood sweet heart of 57 years, Dorothy (Maddox) Johnson; daughters and sons-in-law, Donna Arnaud (Kirk), Dianna Bates (Melvin) all of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Matthew Bates (Alicia), Ben Crumpton, Codie Crumpton, and Nic Arnaud. Don was also blessed with two great-grandsons, Marcus and Micah Bates and was loved by many nieces and nephews.
Upon graduating in 1957 from Hot Springs High School, Don began working for J.J. Newberry Co., where he became assistant manager. After getting married, he began his 41 year career in the poultry industry working for his father-in-law, Ross Maddox, in the feed and poultry business. Within 5 years Don moved his family to Hope, Arkansas, taking a position with Corn Belt / Kroger Hatcheries.
While living in Hope, Don was part of numerous committees that assisted in the building of the new First United Methodist Church back in 1971. Don was also very active in the Men's Century Bible Class, where he served as president. After being in Hope for ten years, Don had the opportunity to move back to Hot Springs, taking a job with Hubbard Farms in 1975. His career spanned 28 years with Hubbard Farms, where he served as flock supervisor, hatchery manager, and retired as general manager in 2003.
In 1984 Don was elected to the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Poultry Federation, where he served 18 years as a member and in 1999 was elected to serve as president of the Arkansas Poultry Federation. Don was active in the Arkansas and National Poultry Improvement Committee for 20 years and served on Hubbard Farms Charitable Foundation for numerous years.
Don was a member of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church for 42 years, serving on the board, president of the Staff Parish, Striver's Sunday school class, choir member, Methodist Men's Group, and enjoyed attending the Walk to Emmaus.
Pallbearers will be nephews: Doug and Howard Johnson, Lloyd Robertson, Jim and Terry Kuntz, David and Paul Frazier, and David, Jason, Alan, and Ross Puckett.
Honorary pallbearers are John Jones, Rodney Asbury, Eddie Slick, Joanna Coleman, the Striver's Sunday School Class, and the Chancel Choir.
Special thanks extended to Dr. Tim English, Arkansas Hospice, Linda Evans (caregiver), Hot Springs Title Company Family, and close friends and family members. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.
A celebration of Don's life will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church with Pastor Shane Robertson and Rev. David Fleming officiating.
Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Grand Avenue United Methodist Church Music Fund or the Charitable Foundation. [from Caruth-Hale Funeral Home online obituary]

Jones, Martha Pearl Murdock Clemons

Martha Pearl Clemons Jones, 94, of Poyen, died February 19, 2000, at her home.
She was born January 29, 1906, a daughter of the late Josiah Bass and Willie Eddy Gerrnett Murdock.
She was a homemaker and a member of Poyen Assemby of God Church.
She was a community worker and a volunteer who distributed food and other items to the elderly in the Poyen Community.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, W. C. Clemons and B. Jones; two sons, John Mearon Clemons and Delbert Craven Clemons; and her twin infants.
Survivors include two sons, warren Clemons of Poiyen and James Gray of Malvern; two daughters, Virgie Carpenter of Malvern and Mada Newton of Leola; a brother, Creed Murdock of Pine Bluff; a sister, Ginnett Watkins of Pine Bluff; a stepson, J. L. Clemons of Monticello; two stepdaughters, Carrie Beard and Clydia Beard, both of Monticello; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted by Atkins Funeral Home with the Revs. Nathan Rogers and Larry Stinson officiating.
Burial was in Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery by Atkinson Funeral Home at Malvern. [from Pine Bluff Commercial, February 24, 2000, page 8A]

Jones, Opal Lois Langley Reese

Mrs. Opal Lois Jones, aged 57, of Benton died Saturday.
She was a member of the Pentecostal Church.
Survivors include her husband, Walter Jones of Benton; eight sons, Johnny Ray Reese, Norman Reese, Wayne Reese, Danny Reese, Ricky Reese, Douglas Reese, Arnold Reese and Curtis Reese, all of Benton; one daughter, Debbie Higgins of Benton; her mother, Minnie Langley of Benton; one sister, Maybelle Reese of Benton; 28 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The body will lie in state at the home of Mrs. Harley Ables, 1715 Smithers Drive.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at World Bible Way Fellowship. Burial will be at New Rosemont Cemetery by Ashby Funeral Home. [from the Benton Courier, Monday, October 26, 1981, page 3, column 2-3]

Jones, Royce Arthur, Sr.

Graveside services for Royce Arthur Jones Sr., 76, of Belton will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Alvin Reese Sutton officiating.
Jones died Thursday at a Temple hospital.
He was born April 2, 1915, in the Cedar Knob community. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II and received two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts for service in the Philippines and Guadalcanal.
Jones married Julia Rebecca Vaughn on November 5, 1945, in Belton. He was a plumber in Corpus Christi for 20 years. He was a member of the Baptist church, a past commander of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Corpus Christi and a foundign officer and chaplain of VFW Post 4008 in Belton.
Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Jewel Jones, and one brother, Hoye B. Jones.
Survivors include his wife, Julia Jones of Belton; one son, Royce A. Jones Jr. of Belton; one brother, Melvin Dick Jones of Bryan; two sisters, Mary Madia Cole of Plano and Nelda McGuire of Butler, Missouri; and two grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Heartfield Funeral Home of Belton is in charge of arrangements. [source unknown]