Obituaries

James F. Cross

James F. Cross was born Dec. 23, 1932 in Pine Bluff, Ark., to parents, James H. Cross and Lou Verion E. Cross. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1951 and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a Bachelor's Degree in 1955. James was also a graduate of Culver Summer Naval School of Culver, Ind., in 1950. He attended North Carolina State for post graduate classes. He was a member of the First Methodist Church and taught Sunday School, served on the Board of Stewards and was Sunday School Superintendent for one year. In 1968, James was appointed by former Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller to the L P Gas Board and subsequently to the Workmen's Compensation Commission as the business representative Commissioner from 1970-1974. He was later appointed by Gov. Mike Huckabee in 1997 to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee # 11 West where his term ended in January of 2001. James was active with the Pine Bluff Jaycees and elected Vice President in 1961 and outstanding Jaycee in 1962. He was Stage Manager, set designer and lighting director for several of the Miss Pine Bluff Pageants and a Member of the Kiwanis Club and Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce. In 1961, he made an unsuccessful race for the Sixth District Congressional Seat in a special election called as a result of the death of Congressman Norrell. James worked as a Cotton Broker from 1956-1969. He was also a past President of the Pine Bluff Cotton Exchange and a Real Estate Broker from 1974-1982. He developed sub-divisions in Jefferson, Grant and Lincoln Counties. James was married to Gail Cargill of Lewisville, Ark., and they had four children of this union. James is survived by one son, Jim Cross (Jerene), and daughters, Jan Cross, Linda Gilmore (Rick), and Carol Palmer. He has nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. June C. Nichol. A private family burial is planned. Donations in his honor may be made to the Arkansas Sheriffs Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, AR 72503-3984, (870) 793-6841 ext. 300. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3800 W. Walnut, Rogers.

Published December 10, 2017

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