Donald Ray James

Don James, of Fairfield Bay, departed this life on July 9, 2013 after a 5 year walk with Alzheimer's. He was the oldest son born to Elmer and Bertha James of Datto, Ark. Don spent his early life in Datto and graduated from Corning High School. As a young teen he spent hours helping in the family General Store and Cotton Gin. Don later attended the UA and Arkansas State University with a degree in Business. With this degree, Don spent most of his life in some type of Sales. Prior to working in Real Estate and insurance in the Fairfield Bay area, Don helped his two brothers in the growth and development of the family related agricultural business in Corning, Ark. The USAF was home to Don for four years as he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz. during the Korean War. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, G.E. James, and his daughter, Lisa. He is survived by his wife, Jewel, of Fairfield Bay, a brother, Bob (Sue) James of Marble Falls, Texas, a son, Britt (Sherrie) James of Fayetteville, Ark., and a daughter, Joni (Alan) Ragsdale, of Kingsport, Tenn. His grandchildren include Chris, Matt, and Lauren James, and Cameron Ragsdale. Don's step-children are Stephen (Amy Lea) of Dardanelle, Amy (Andy) Higdon of Fayetteville, Ark., Scott (Kristi) Babb of Russellville, and Daniel (Mandy) Babb of Rogers, Ark. His step-grandchildren include Ally, Leah, and Colton Babb, Emily, Andrew, and James Higdon, and Gunner Babb. Pallbearers: Matt James, Chris James, Cameron Ragsdale, Andrew Higdon, Alan Ragsdale, and Andy Higdon. Honorary Pallbearers: James Higdon, Colton Babb, and Gunner Babb. Don displayed a positive attitude and a great love for family, Church, and his friends in the Greers Ferry Lake Area. His love for boating and water activities made him a special grandparent. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 11, 2013 and Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2013 at Fairfield Bay Baptist Church with Pastor Ken Reese and Brother Carroll Sites officiating. Burial with U.S. Air Force Military Honors will follow at Woodland Memorial Park. Funeral Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.