Obituaries

James (Jim) Murray Tennyson

Photo of James (Jim) Murray Tennyson
James (Jim) Murray Tennyson, 83, died Sunday July 22, 2012. He was born February 4, 1929, in Smackover, Arkansas to Leon Edwin and Marjorie Snider Tennyson.He grew up in Smackover and attended Smackover Public Schools. Jim was a graduate of Kemper Military Academy and was also a graduate of Hendrix College in 1950 where he was a tailback and punter on the football team. He served in the United States Air Force from 1950-1954 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant on May 10, 1952, (also his wedding date). He was a jet fighter pilot flying the F-84 Thunderjet while serving in the 307th Strategic Air Command, during which time he flew in the first mass night refueling mission attempted by the Air Force. Jim was active in many civic, governmental and business affairs including serving two terms as Chairman of the Arkansas State Police Commission. He also served 51 years on the Board of Directors of Smackover State Bank and was on the Board of Directors of the South Arkansas Medical Center. He was a member of the Republican National Committee and past member of the Smackover School Board and Lions Club. Jim was also Area Vice President for the Independent Petroleum Association. Jim was a longtime member of First United Methodist in Smackover where he served on the Board of Trustees and Board of Stewards. He was a devoted Christian who truly reflected the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather with a kind demeanor and a great sense of humor. Jim and his wife, Fran, loved traveling and playing golf together and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Ann Tennyson Matthews. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Frances Brewer Tennyson; three sons, Timothy A. Tennyson of Smackover, Ark., Charles L. (Chuck) Tennyson and his wife, Carol, of Little Rock, Ark., James Drew Tennyson of El Dorado, Ark.; and four grandchildren, Clark Tennyson (Katie) of Hot Springs, Ark., Claire Tennyson also of Hot Springs, Joshua Tennyson of Little Rock, Ark. and Tess Tennyson of El Dorado, Ark. Pallbearers will be Harvey Brown, Roland Ponthieux, Edwin Matthews, Clark Tennyson, Joshua Tennyson and Les Warren. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Smackover State Bank Board of Directors. The funeral will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Smackover, Ark. on today at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Smackover (500 West 7th Street, Smackover, Ark. 71762). An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

Published July 28, 2012

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