James Buckingham Pinkerton

James Buckingham Pinkerton Jr. 80 of Fayetteville, Ark., died on Nov. 16, 2017. Born in West Palm Beach, Fla., to James B. and Helen S. Pinkerton, he grew up with younger sister Susan Pinkerton Haines roaming the citrus groves of City Point and Cocoa, Fla., and fishing in the Indian River Lagoon. He attended Bolles Military Academy in Jacksonville, Fla., which prepared him for the rigors of Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. Upon graduation in 1959, he joined the US Navy. Transitioning to the Naval Air Reserve, he continued to serve with distinction for over 30 years attaining the rank of captain. One of his fellow officers said he had the most integrity of anyone he had ever met. In civilian life he became a technical writer and eventually went into business for himself as a consultant. During this time he married his first wife, Karen and became the proud father of two children, Alyssa and Jay. Soccer was a shared interest as was hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. He also taught his children to body surf, making many trips to Cocoa Beach and the Canaveral Seashore. Regular running and swimming kept him in great shape and gave him the chance to enjoy the Florida sunshine. His love of nature caused him along with his second wife Linda to travel the US, visiting the national parks. He hiked mountains in the Smokies; with daughter Alyssa the goal was the summit of Mt. Le Conte in Tennessee, and with son Jay he conquered Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. For decades, he served as a faithful board member, fundraiser, and caretaker of Georgiana Cemetery in Merritt Island, Fla. He used his ability to pay close attention to detail in checking all contracts for his condo complex board in Cocoa, Fla., and helped make sure all major maintenance projects were carried out according to the specs. He continued to stay in touch with military friends, helping to establish SOFA (Senior Old Friends Association), a local retired military group which met once a week to have lunch and socialize. In 2016, he and Linda moved to Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville, Ark., Linda's hometown. Even though he had not lived there long he loved the hills and the BTV community. He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Alyssa and her two children Otis and Lulu, his son Jay, and nephews Jim and David. His smile and sense of humor will be missed by all of his family and friends. Cremation was by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Condolences may be given at www.nelsonberna.com.