James Franklin Snellgrove Jr,

James Franklin Snellgrove, Jr., 87, of Jonesboro died Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at his home. He was born in Wadley Georgia to James Franklin Snellgrove, Sr. and Norma Smith Snellgrove. Frank was of the protestant belief and was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Betty Grace Snellgrove; his parents, and one sister, Norma Mace.

Frank graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1939, entered Arkansas State College, and then was inducted into the Armed Forces. In 1940 he joined the National Guard. He was also a Pilot in the U.S. Air Force serving in World War II. He served over four years in the 206th Coast Artillery, Battery C. Battery C was one of several batteries comprising the 20th Coast Artillery and it was made up of primarily Arkansas State College students. The group left Jonesboro on January 6, 1941 for El Paso, Texas where they trained prior to going to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians. The Japanese attacked Dutch Harbor on June 3, 1942. He flew 52 missions from a B-25 Mitchell Bomber. During his military service he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and 8 air medals. Upon completion of his military career, he re-entered Arkansas State College, graduated, and also graduated from the University of Arkansas Law School in 1948.

He entered into a law partnership in Jonesboro in 1953 with George David Walker and Charles Frierson, Jr. Frank continued to practice law for 55 years until his health started to decline.

Frank was very active in community service and was a member of the Battery “C” 206th, the Arkansas Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Past State Representative from 1949 – 1955, past president of Kiwanis, Past Exalted Ruler of the Elk’s Lodge, Past President of the Veteran’s of Foreign War Post, and a special justice for the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1977.

Surviving are his wife, Jerry K. Snellgrove, of the home; two children, Pamela Ann Huffer and James Scott Snellgrove, both of Jonesboro; one sister Dibby Wolfe, La Jolia, California; seven grandchildren, Marcus Huffer, Cassie Huffer, Jamie Jo Ragsdale, Dawn Mitchell, Franklin Sloan Snellgrove, Padgett Grace Snellgrove and Thomas Cole Snellgrove, and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Frank will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 21, 2008 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Reverend Emil Williams and David Laser officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will be private.

For those wishing to leave lasting memorials, the family request you please consider the Magnolia Road Baptist Church, 911 Magnolia Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas , 72401, or the Jonesboro Church Health Center, 200 W. Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401, or St. Bernard’s Hospice, 2813 Forest Home Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401.