James (Jim) Clifton Brunson

James (Jim) Clifton Brunson, age 87, went to be with the Lord early Monday morning, September 4, 2016, in Conway, Arkansas. He was born on October 15, 1928 in Yell County, Arkansas, to Marion Arthur Brunson and Lucy England Clifton. He married Annie Kate (Kathryn) King of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on April 3, 1948 in Hansboro, Mississippi. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, his three daughters, Beverly (Eddie) Feuille, Janet Hall, and Paula (David) Finch, eight grandchildren, Kelly Kruggel, Chris Feuille (Anna), Daniel Hoskins (Dani), Luke Hoskins, David Seals, Jonathan Seals, Katy Seals, and Nathanael Finch, four great-grandchildren, Hudson Kruggel, Winston Feuille, Judah Seals, and Blaire Rylee Hoskins, and many nieces and nephews. At age 17, Jim enlisted in the Air Force. He retired in 1970 as a Major. Upon retirement from the military he received his BA from University of Central Arkansas. He then worked for the Social Security Office in Conway, Arkansas until retiring in 1980. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed visiting National Parks, camping, woodworking and music. His real passion was playing the fiddle. He and his wife spent many years traveling the area and surrounding states attending various Bluegrass and Music Festivals. They also performed at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas, for many years. Jim enjoyed playing the fiddle, bass fiddle, and guitar with family, friends, and strangers. He also enjoyed teaching others how to play bluegrass music and was known as "Fiddlin'Jim." For many years the family had a reunion at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, which he thoroughly enjoyed. There will be a Celebration of Life at Mike's Place (808 Front Street, Conway, Ark.) on Saturday, September 10th from 2-5 p.m.. Refreshments will be served, casual dress. Come ready to share stories to help us honor and remember "Fiddlin' Jim."