James "Jim" Craft, Jr.

James "Jim" Uzell Craft, Jr., 94, of Jonesboro, passed away Tuesday morning at Pam's Golden Years Assisted Living Home near Crossett where he had been residing.

Born in the Burnt Hill community near Lake City, Jim graduated from the Training School on the campus of Arkansas State College in 1943. He was inducted into the Army Air Corps in December 1943 and was discharged in June 1946, serving 1 year and 10 months overseas, active in the Central Burma Campaign and the India Burma Campaign.

Following WW II, Jim married Glenda Perkins on June 2, 1950 and they resided in Pine Bluff where Jim and Glenda operated Craft Insurance Agency before relocating to Memphis where Jim was manger of Kay Furniture Store. Jim retired in 1989 and the family moved to Jonesboro.

Jim was a member of Valley View Church of Christ and had previously taught Bible Class and served as an Elder at Southwest Church of Christ. He was a long-time member of the Craighead County Historical Society and had several articles published in the Society Quarterly. Jim enjoyed reading and researching ancient history.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, James Brent Craft; by a sister, Bobbie Lincoln; and a brother, Gerald Craft.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Glenda Craft of the home;
2 daughters and sons-in-law: Jan and Jerry Ray Hambrick of Crossett, and Judy and Mack Ramsey of Jonesboro;
1 brother and sister-in-law: Wayne and Carol Craft of California;
1 sister and brother-in-law: Irma and Wesley Provines of Wichita, Kansas;
5 grandchildren and their spouses: Andee and Greg Johnson of Conway, Zach Hambrick of Little Rock, Steven and Amanda Ramsey of Cumming, Georgia, David and Brianne Ramsey of Little Rock and Elizabeth Ramsey of Jonesboro;
3 great grandchildren: Baylee Day and Reed Day, both of Conway, and Brooks Dobson of Cumming, Georgia.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Emerson Memorial Chapel with sons-in-law Jerry Ray Hambrick and Mack Ramsey officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery with Zach Hambrick, Steven Ramsey, David Ramsey, Greg Johnson, Reed Day and Jerry Ray Hambrick serving as pallbearers. Visitation will precede the funeral service from 9:00-10:30.

For lasting memorials the family asks that consideration be given to Crowley's Ridge Academy, 606 Academy Dr., Paragould, AR 72450.