Obituaries

James Eugene Chidester

James Eugene Chidester, age 85, died in Jacksonville, Arkansas on June 1, 2017. He was born on October 12, 1931 in Dumas, Arkansas to Kirby and May Chidester. James was retired from the United States Air Force as a chief master sergeant after serving 30 years in avionics as a manager instructor, avionic communications and a navigation systems superintendent. James proudly served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, North Africa, Japan and the Philippines. After serving in the United States Air Force he worked for over 12 years as a Chief Engineer for CARTI. James loved the outdoors, fishing and could repair and build anything he put his hands on. James is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Joan; his grandson, Shawn; three sisters, Nancy Kincaid, Patsy Rubio and Joyce Drury and one brother, Kirby Chidester Jr. James is survived by his children, Chris Chidester (Becky); Gary Chidester (Maria Pia); Dolores Stegall (Larry); Diana Chidester; Jim Chidester and Joe Chidester (Ming); grandchildren, Scott, Nathan (Danielle); Jessica; Marc; Valerie; Kyle; Natalie; Megan; Jason and Jacob. His great-grandchildren, Zack; Faith; Mackenzie; Nicholas and Michael and great-great-grandson, Bently. He has four brothers; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Russell; a special friend, Karen Keefe and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Jacksonville, with a rosary at 6 p.m. A mass will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Jacksonville. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. at Grady Cemetery, Grady, and Arkansas. Services have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Online guestbook, www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com. Donations may be made to the Grady Cemetery; P.O. Box 181 Grady, Arkansas 71644.

Published June 3, 2017

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