of Searcy, AR

June 2, 1925 - December 2, 2023

James Chester Lankford, age 98, of Searcy, Arkansas entered his new life on December 2, 2023 surrounded by his family. James (Jim) was born in West Point, Arkansas to JW and Effie Lankford on June 2, 1925. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 61 years, Betty.

Left to cherish his memories are a son, James (Little Jim or Hoss) Lankford Jr. of Searcy and wife, Renee. A daughter, Mary Ann Lankford Bolin and husband, David of Searcy. His grandchildren, Brooke Elizabeth Bolin Strasser and Matt of Russellville, Lauren Ashton Bolin of Searcy and Jacob Allen Lankford of Searcy. His great grandchildren, Maren Nicole Strasser and Asher Jordan Strasser of Russellville, AR.

James was a 1943 graduate of Bradford High School. After graduation he entered the military serving in WWII from 1944-1946. He was in the 55th AIB, 11th armored division, 3rd army under command of General George S Patton. His unit liberated many villages across Austria and Germany as well as a German concentration camp. James was very proud of his service to his country and had many interesting stories to tell of his time in Germany.

Upon discharge from the military, he came home and enrolled in Harding College, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1950. He also received his Master of Education from the University of Arkansas. He taught business in schools at Rose Bud, Des Arc and Swifton, AR. He found he could make more money teaching in New Mexico and taught at Grady, New Mexico and Fort Sumner, New Mexico for a combined 13 years before moving his family back to Arkansas to be near his elderly parents and help with the family farm.

James worked for the PCA from 1963 to 1969 and helped many people in the White County community with farm loans. He was elected in 1970 as White County Circuit Clerk and Recorder and served the county for 16 years before retiring to help care for his parents.

James was very active in the community. He was a founder and a charter member of the White County Cattlemen's Association. He was a long-time member of the Searcy Kiwanis Club, having served as president, serving on the board of directors for Kiwanis and as a past Lt. Governor of Kiwanis. James truly believed in what the Kiwanis Club was doing for the community and the youth programs. He took up the task of selling pancake tickets for the annual fund raiser. And boy could he sell them. Kiwanis has also named the annual pancake day after him. He was a member of the Armstrong Caldwell Post 106 of the American Legion, a member of the Veterans of Foreign War. James was a member of the West Point Masonic Lodge and a 32-degree Mason. James also was a member of Unity Health auxiliary having volunteered more than 9800 hours. James was also a member of the West Side Church of Christ in Searcy.

He enjoyed traveling with Betty. They took many wonderful and interesting trips. He and Betty retraced his steps during WWII, toured Canada by train, took trips to Hawaii, toured the northeast and northwest United States and attended army reunions, Kiwanis conventions and family vacations. But nothing pleased him more than to go to the family farm and help with whatever chore needed doing as long as he was physically able and especially to have a good old country breakfast or just sit and sip a cup of coffee with his family.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Daniel Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, December 6 at 2:00 pm at the West Side Church of Christ building with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Searcy, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank our care givers, Jacob and Becca Ralls, Rita Eastham, Jimmy Pettis, Demetrius Cotton, Southern Care group and Hannah Herrington of Arkansas Hospice. The family also wishes to thank all of our friends for the hugs, phone calls, visits, cards and prayers during this time.

Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home
411 East Race Avenue
Searcy, AR  72145
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com