Obituaries

James Malvin Webster

Photo of James Malvin Webster
James Malvin Webster, 82, of Helena, Arkansas died on September 29, 2016 of injuries suffered in a fall. His resulting brief hospital stay gave his family the opportunity to come to his side - and come they did - with tears of sadness and tears of joy that this man was an essential part of their lives. Jimmy was born on December 22, 1933 in West Helena, Arkansas to Dick and Lorena Webster. He graduated from Helena Central High School and from Arkansas State Teachers College, where he was active in athletics at both schools. After college graduation, Jimmy taught and coached high school at Elaine, Arkansas, where he enjoyed leading his players to success in football and basketball. He will always be "Coach" to those players. He had a long career in the farm implement business, managing Southern Implement Co. for many years where he enjoyed his association with his father-in-law, Bob Howe. In 1952 Jimmy met Peggy Howe, married her in 1956 and loved her for 60 more years. They have three daughters, Laurie Perry (Steve), Nan Connell (John), and Jamie Webster Deaton. Those children made him the proud "Papaw" of Derek Deaton (Sarah), Karey Deaton Hoffman (Andrew), Anna Perry, Amy Perry Westlake (Drew), and Mary Cate Connell. Great-grandchildren Harper and Ella Deaton and Lane and Andi Rose Hoffman will grow up proud to belong to Papaw. Other survivors include his brother Denny Webster (Becky) and their children, John (Jimmie) and Courtney Phaup (Stephen) and grandchildren David, Carly, Lydia and Palmer, and brother-in-law Joe Howe(Rena) and their children Caitlin and Connor, and sister-in-law Nancy Campbell and her son Rob. He was predeceased by his parents and by a granddaughter, Catherine Cain Perry. Jimmy was an avid golfer and duck hunter and also a staunch supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved the Helena Presbyterian Church where he served in almost every capacity during his long membership. He was an honorable gentleman blessed with quiet strength, gentle guidance and an endless supply of unconditional love which served him and others well throughout his long and well-lived life. A Memorial Service will take place at the Helena Presbyterian Church on Friday, October 7 at 2 p.m. followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Memorials may be sent to the Phillips County Boys and Girls Club to further the construction of 3 athletic fields at the West Helena site, P.O. Box 511, Helena, Ark. 72342, or to a charity of your choice. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Published October 4, 2016

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