Jimmie "Jim" French

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Graveside Service
Bee Branch Cemetery
Hwy 65 S.
Bee Branch, AR  undefined
Monday, June 27, 2016
11:00 AM
Jimmie "Jim" FrenchI am a Veteran.

of Mountain Home, AR

November 7, 1933 - June 24, 2016

Jimmie H. ''Jim'' French passed away June 24 at Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House in Mountain Home. He was 82.
A native Arkansan, Jim was born in Damascus, AR, on Nov. 7, 1933, to Arthur and Nelva French. He was raised on a farm where he enjoyed growing crops and working with animals. He graduated from South Side High School, and attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now University of Central AR) in Conway before joining the United States Air Force in 1954.
In the Air Force Jim first trained as a navigator, but soon went on to earn his pilot's wings, flying C-124 Globemaster and C-141 Starlifter cargo aircraft. Jim flew hundreds of missions, transporting troops and supplies in and out of Vietnam during the war and earning a reputation throughout the Air Force as an excellent pilot. A lifelong patriot, Jim logged more than 12,000 flying hours in defense of the country he loved.
In 1965 Jim married Margaret ''Peg'' Wedemeier at Warner Robins, GA. After retiring from the Air Force in 1974, Jim and Peg moved to Bull Shoals to raise their six kids. They later moved to Lakeview.
Jim loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He taught all six of his kids, as well as many friends, neighbors and relatives, how to water ski. He loved animals, especially his bird dog ''Teague'' and his little dogs ''Tinky'' and ''Lovey.'' Through the years, he was known to rescue and raise the occasional litter of abandoned baby rabbits, and he once freed a golden eagle entangled in fishing line.
Jim was an active member of his community. He owned Jim French Realty in Bull Shoals and later worked as an agent for Beaman Realty in Lakeview. He formed many dear friendships through his work in real estate. Jim served on the Bull Shoals City Council for four years, and was active in the Bull Shoals Chamber of Commerce for many years, giving his time to numerous committees and projects. He was passionate about education-from 1979 1985 he was a member of the Flippin School Board and served one year as president. His passion for education never wavered-in the past few years, he enrolled in a political science course that focused on the U.S. Constitution at Arkansas State University in Mountain Home, where he earned the highest grade in his class.
Jim loved a good story and could tell one, too. He was never short on opinions, and would share his with anyone who had a minute to listen. When it came to politics, debate him at your peril, because he was a formidable opponent.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kennin, J.D. and Dick, and sister Hildaree Short.
Survivors include his wife Margaret ''Peg'' of the home; sons Richard and Terry of San Diego, CA, and James of Benton; daughters Teresa Campbell of Fayetteville, Lynn French of Austin, TX, and Becky McCauley of Little Rock; granddaughter Nicole Shipp of Fayetteville; two great-grandchildren Carley and Cameron Shipp; brother Teddy French of Charleston, SC, sister Doris Underwood of Eden Isle, AR, and many friends and relatives.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Honor Flight Network, 300 E. Auburn Ave, Springfield, OH 45505-4703 or online at www.honorflight.org, or to Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House, 701 Burnett Dr, Mountain Home, AR 72653 or online at www.hospiceoftheozarks.org. Graveside services will be held at Bee Branch Cemetery in Bee Branch, AR, on Monday, June 27, 2016, at 11:00 am. Visit our online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtnhome

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10 Condolence(s)
Diane Archer
Midway, AR
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Monday, June 27, 2016

Sorry to hear about Jim..
I remember him and Frank playing cards and were great friends.. Jim was a great guy and will be missed.
Prayers and love to you..
Diane

Bill & Jane Derenbecher
Lakeview, AR
Liked
Monday, June 27, 2016

Dear Peg & family,
Our deepest sympathy. We will miss Jim.
Neighbors, Bill & Jane Derenbecher

Courtney brown
Austin,
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Monday, June 27, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sad time. Jim's daughter has been a dear friend to me for nearly 15 years and know what a wonderful man he was through her.

Myrna Warto
Millbrae, CA
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Monday, June 27, 2016

Peg and family,
We send our condolences to all of you. I only met Jim once, but after reading the obit wished I had known him better. You should all be proud of his accomplishments. A life well lived! Take good care of my friend, Peg! Love, Bill and Myrna Warto

Luna Family
Lakeview,
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Monday, June 27, 2016

We love you, Jim, and are so grateful for having you and Peg as our neighbors these last 9 years. We are praying for peace and comfort for Peg and all the rest of the family. Wish we could be there for Jim's service. Love you all.

Noel & Stacie Goldsmith
Flippin, AR
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Sunday, June 26, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you during this difficult time.

Barbara and Jamie Goldsmith
Flippin, AR
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Sunday, June 26, 2016

Dear Peg and family - We are so sad to hear of Jim's passing. He will be fondly and warmly remembered. He was always generous and kind and so much fun to be around. It was such a privilege to work with him and Don. Hugs to you all. Barb and Jamie

Dave Crenshaw
Carlsbad, CA
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Sunday, June 26, 2016

I would like to offer my sympathy to Mr. French's family. His service to our country, the dedication to his family, and his contribution to the community are testaments to a life well-lived. May God grant comfort to everyone grieving at this time.

Cindy Jefferson Linck
Harrah, OK
Liked
Saturday, June 25, 2016

Teresa, Richard, Terry, Lynn, James and Becky,

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I know you will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Cindy

Janis & David
Lakeview, AR
Liked
Saturday, June 25, 2016

Jim French -- a life well lived! We will miss you! Condolences to all the family.