Obituaries

Nelson Dewey James

Photo of Nelson Dewey James
Nelson Dewey James, 85, died peacefully Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. He was born Oct. 15, 1929 to the late J. C. and Beulah James. Nelson lived in Searcy all his life and graduated in 1947 from Searcy High School where he was president of the student body his senior year. His family owned and operated a Western Auto Store, which in 1935 was the first family-owned franchise granted by the organization. The business remained in operation until 1985. Simultaneously to operating the Western Auto Store, he was in the Arkansas National Guard and was part of the Searcy Fire Department. Later on, he retired from the Searcy School District as a bus driver and spent years working at Regions Bank and refinishing antique furniture. An avid supporter and developer of the city of Searcy, he helped start the Searcy Little League baseball program; was a charter member and supporter of the Harding Bison Booster Club; and was elected to the Harding University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Harding President's Development Council; was a member and president of the Lions Club; and also received an Optimist Club service award as Citizen of the Year in 1975. He was a member of West Side church of Christ. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Georgia Webb James; son, Jay (Rebecca) James of Searcy; three daughters: Robin Long, Roxanne (Mark) Miles, and Kelly James, all of Searcy; a brother, Larry (Mary Kay) James of Searcy; grandchildren: Jayme Bennett, Mitch Miles, Clinton Miles, John Mark Miles; Katie Salmon, Grace Killough, McNiel Killough, Jodi Marie James, Jackson Nelson James, and Jessica Faith James; great-grandchildren: Ckyler and Chase Tengler; Hayden, Reid, Carly, Jacob, Conner and Sadie Miles; Stafford and Steven Salmon; and special friends, Carl and Judy Carlson of Memphis and Karen Webb. He was preceded in death by a brother, Keith James and grandson, James Webb Killough. The family also wishes to acknowledge in appreciation the close friendship of employees of Regions Bank and the Searcy School District. Following a private burial, a visitation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at the West Side church of Christ located on West Arch St. in Searcy. The family has suggested memorials to Ghana West Africa Missions, P O Box 40, Searcy or the Bison Booster Club at Harding University. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

Published September 14, 2015

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