James Franklin Dearman

James Franklin Dearman of Sheridan, Arkansas our beloved husband, dad, and "PaPa" transitioned to his eternal home on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. He was born September 17, 1930 in Beebe, Ark. Son of the late James Henry Dearman and Lillie Mae Holder Dearman. He died at the age of 82 after losing a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. James was a member of the United States National Guard and always proudly spoke of his love for his country. James worked in the trucking industry most of his life. He retired from Jones Truck Lines in 1991 with a total of 30 years of service. James was an avid horseman and a lover of all animals. He spent several vacations with family on the road with a trailer filled with thoroughbreds headed to the stables on a racetrack. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Dearman and a sister, Catherine Mosley. James is survived by his wife, Shirley Puckett Dearman; one son, Donnie Bonner II; five daughters: Vicky (Tim) Palmer, Julia White, Janice (Nelson) Brumley, DeAnna (Raymond) Marvel, Shawna Dearman-Gill; ten grandchildren, Crystal, Jonathan, Christopher, Laura, Aimee, Andre'a, Brian, Jerry, Kathryn, Kristine and Kyle; 12 great-grandchildren and another two on the way. He was "The father that he didn't have to be," a lover of children and called "PaPa" by many children over the years. He will be fondly remembered and missed by family and friends. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Arkansas Funeral Care, 2620 W. Main St., Jacksonville. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Bro. Mike Poe officiating. Entombment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University, Little Rock, Ark. 72207. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.