of Searcy, AR
October 15, 1929 - September 12, 2015
Nelson Dewey James, 85, died peacefully Saturday, September 12, 2015. He was born October 15, 1929 to the late J. C. and Beulah James. Nelson lived in Searcy all his life and graduated in 1947 from Searcy High School, where he was president of the student body his senior year. His family owned and operated a Western Auto Store, which in 1935 was the first family-owned franchise granted by the organization. The business remained in operation until 1985. Simultaneously to operating the Western Auto Store, he was in the Arkansas National Guard and was part of the Searcy Fire Department. Later on he retired from the Searcy School District as a bus driver and spent years working at Regions Bank and refinishing antique furniture.
An avid supporter and developer of the city of Searcy, he helped start the Searcy Little League baseball program, was a charter member and supporter of the Harding Bison Booster Club and was elected to the Harding University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Harding President's Development Council, was a member and president of the Lions Club and also received an Optimist Club service award as Citizen of the Year in 1975. He was a member of West Side church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Georgia Webb James; son, Jay (Rebecca) James of Searcy; three daughters, Robin Long, Roxanne (Mark) Miles, and Kelly James, all of Searcy; a brother, Larry (Mary Kay) James of Searcy; grandchildren Jayme Bennett, Mitch Miles, Clinton Miles, John Mark Miles; Katie Salmon; Grace Killough, McNiel Killough; Jodi Marie James, Jackson Nelson James, and Jessica Faith James; great grandchildren Ckyler and Chase Tengler; Hayden, Reid, Carly, Jacob, Conner and Sadie Miles; Stafford and Steven Salmon; and special friends Carl and Judy Carlson of Memphis and Karen Webb.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Keith James and Grandson, James Webb Killough. The family also wishes to acknowledge in appreciation the close friendship of employees of Regions Bank and the Searcy School District.
Following a private burial, a visitation will be held Tuesday September 15, 2015 from 6-8pm at the West Side church of Christ located on West Arch St. in Searcy.
The family has suggested memorials to Ghana West Africa Missions, P O Box 40, Searcy; or the Bison Booster Club at Harding University.
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18 Condolence(s)
Mike James
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Georgia and fam: Nelson and I shared a last name, but that's not all. He had a way of making me feel like a friend. His humor was about as dry as any I've ever seen, but I ALWAYS knew he was thinking of my best interests. That's a friend. I will miss Nelson. Blessings and peace to the whole family that I love.
Veda Holloway
Thursday, September 17, 2015
To the James family, my sympathy goes to you for your loss. He was a beloved husband, father and friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers are with you in the coming days. God Bless you all.
Tony Felker
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
To the James family: Kay and I thank you so much for all youMr James and the family has done for so many and especially Harding football. We send prayers for you as you grief this tremendous loss to your family. Peace and comfort.
Tony and Kay Felker
James and Bonnie Frsnk
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
we are saddened by your loss. Nelson was a great man and wonderful family man. I have many memories of him and how he and Georgia made us feel at home and a part of their family while at Harding and when we returned to Searcy. Nelson was loved by many In the school district and at the bank. He will be missed by all. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
James and Bonnie Frank
Cheryl Riley
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Georgia & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Nelson was such a great man and I know he will be missed!
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love you,
Cheryl
Cherie Grigsby
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
My prayers go out to all of Nelson's family. He will was a very special person & touched so many lives. I have many fond memories of him at the bank. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace sweet man.
Diane Crawford
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
In honor of Nelson & his awesome family...I cherish the memories of my Western Auto days, the hard work plus a lot of laughs and the feeling of being a part of this family. Love to all of you and may God's presence be with you today and always!!
Belinda LaForce
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Dwayne and I are so sorry for your loss. Nelson was a special person and he will truly be missed. Praying for you and your family.
Michelle Moore
Monday, September 14, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family
Michael and DeShawn Robinson
Monday, September 14, 2015
He was such a good and nice man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Amy
Monday, September 14, 2015
Loved Nelson! He was so honorary and so loved! He will be missed, prayers for all the family!
Rick Cromwell
Monday, September 14, 2015
My thoughts are with your family.
Robby and Tami Eades
Monday, September 14, 2015
We send our hugs and love out to each of you. What a wonderful legacy for this precious family. Praying you will all have God's peace as you walk through these next few days. Love you all.
Marcus James
Monday, September 14, 2015
i am so sorry to hear about Uncle Nelson. Some of my first memories involve him at the Western Auto store, joking around with Chris and I. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. Thank the Lord we know he is at home and we will see him again. Praying for you all.
Terry Greenwood
Monday, September 14, 2015
Robin and family,
It's been a long time. I have such good memories of the time spent around you and your family.
Nelson was such a good man. Pleased to have shared time with him.
Terry
Mike Valentine
Monday, September 14, 2015
My respects to a great family led by a great man. I believe I have known Nelson all my life and have the utmost respect for him as a man and as a Christian. He will be missed but he has received his reward in Heaven.
James & Fatima Wyatt
Monday, September 14, 2015
Sorry for your loss.
ann hart
Saturday, September 12, 2015
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, Robin, Roxanne and Jay. I had a lot of fun with your family back in the 60's. May the Lord give you comfort and peace. The Harts