James Galen "Jim" Sperry

James "Jim" G. Sperry, 78, died 6 March at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark. Born December 14, 1936 at Joplin, Mo., he was the son of David J and Virginia Mayo Sperry, and was the second of eight children. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lillian Green and Judith Heikkila, brothers Stephen Sperry and son Douglas Sperry. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria S. (Ellis) Sperry of Bella Vista, Ark., son, Brent Sperry (wife Janice) of Rogers Ark., grandchildren Brad, Michael, Steven, Rebecca, Jacob, Elizabeth, Patrick, Kara, five great-grandchildren, Gabriel, William, Hadley, Harper and Mason, and his mother-in-law, Fern Ellis of Rogers, Ark. Also, brother, David (wife Carolyn) Sperry of Largo, Fla., sisters, Miriam Clemmons of Pinellas Park, Fla., Susan Humphrey (husband Shain) of Omaha, Neb., Kathy Baker (husband Max) of Farmington, Utah and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim liked to hunt, fish and restore old cars. He served in the US Navy as an Avionics technician and loved to fly. After leaving the military, he worked as a field engineer for Smith Corona Marchant and Eastman Kodak. He retired in 1991 after a long career. He lived a life of service and was a Boy Scout leader for many years, deacon in the Baptist church, three term American Legion Commander for Post 341 in Bella Vista, Ark. and was on the Veterans Council board of directors for 12 years. He was instrumental in building the Wall of Honor veterans memorial in Bella Vista. Visitation will be 11 March from 6-8 a.m. at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers, Ark. and funeral services will be held on 12 March 1 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Powell, Mo. www.RollinsFuneral.com.