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
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11 Condolence(s)
DON ROBERT HORSMAN
Friday, December 8, 2023
Jim and Mary,
I am deeply grateful for the friendship and Christian fellowship your folks shared with mine, and that was also shared with me and my sisters. My heart's belief is that our parents all now continue to enjoy that fellowship with God's redeemed in heaven!
Though we grieve our loss in Jim Sr. passing from this life, we have joy in his victory in Jesus! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Love,
Don & Stacy
Melanie Banks
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Jim and Mary, I was so sorry to hear about your dad. He passed the day after mine did three years ago. It sounds like he lived a very full life. He was such a sweet man and I know y’all will miss him greatly! I was so glad to see that he was able to go out to the farm one last time not long before he passed. It always put a smile on my face when I would see pictures of him out there hanging out or driving the tractor. I know what that meant to him because it meant the same thing to my dad to do that same type of thing. We will be praying for comfort for all of y’all during this difficult time. Love y’all!
Gwen E.Anderson
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
To the Lankford Family: Mr. Lankford worked with my dad and uncle with P C A before politics. If he ever met you, he connected you with family members and asked about them all. He will be missed But he is having a great time with his family in heaven and there is no canes in heaven either.
Kerry Ramey Hammond
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Oh Mary!!! I didn't know and have been in NWA this week! I will unfortunately not be able to attend the funeral services! You know I loved he and Betty like my own! Love you, Mary! I'm here for you to talk, vent and cry!
Paul Rushing
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Having known Jim was a blessing to me and my family. I have always cherished the friendship and admired the man. My heart is lightened by the thought of Jim and Betty strolling the streets above.
Johnny Hodges
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Mr. Lankford was truly a servant to the people of White County, always a smile and seemingly a true friend no matter how long he had known you. It was an honor to have known him. Johnny Hodges
Paul and Jan Morgan
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Paul and I loved visiting with Jim and Betty! He was a sweet, kind man!
Much love,
Paul and Jan Morgan
Kellie Person Burnett
Monday, December 4, 2023
Jim and Mary, I sure loved your daddy. What a wonderful man he was! I know without a doubt that we will see him once again. I will keep you in my prayers as you go through the tough days of missing him so acutely. What a legacy he has left behind.
Leah (Faith) Brooks
Monday, December 4, 2023
Mr. Lankford knew my family from his younger days, and Mrs. Lankford was one of my teachers. I sure did enjoy seeing him occasionally and hearing his stories; he will be greatly missed.
Dianne Thomas
Monday, December 4, 2023
Jim, Renee, Jacob and family members, I am so very sorry to learn of Mr. Jim's passing. He was such a life force. I know that he is enjoying his coffee with Miss Betty! Prayers for you all.
Todd, Resa and Stephanie Bolin
Monday, December 4, 2023
We will continue to pray for this precious family. We are just getting over Covid and are not out in the public much. May your memories give you comfort and a treasure for the coming days. Continual prayers