James R (Jim)_ Mcalister

James R. McAlister (Jim), 69, of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Charlevoix, Michigan, went to be with his Lord November 9th, 2007 at Saint Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 22, 1938, the fourth child of the late James R. McAlister, Sr. and Anna Stein McAlister. The family moved to Marine City, Michigan in 1950 where he graduated from Marine City High School in 1956. He earned a Civil Engineering degree from Michigan Tech after which he was commissioned into the United States Air Force at James Connelly AFB in Waco, Texas. While in Waco, he met Gloria Bradley of Jonesboro, who was attending Baylor University. They were married Sept. 24th, 1961 at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Gloria Bradley McAlister, daughters: Kelly (Rabbi Aaron) Spiegel of Indianapolis, Indiana, Allison (Tyler) Burchyett of Hernando, Mississippi, and son Craig McAlister of Jonesboro. Five grandchildren: Hannah, Eli and Gabe Spiegel of Indianapolis and Barrett and Baylee Burchyett of Hernando. He is survived by two sisters: Patricia (Hank) Marwin of Troy, Michigan and Mary Lou (Mike) Moore of Grosse Pointe, Michigan; sister-in-law, Barbara (Edgar) Currier of Lakeland, Tennessee, and mother-in-law Helen Bradley, Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Anna McAlister, step-mother, Alma McAlister, sister, Betty Hill, brother, Bill McAlister, and father-in-law, Doug Bradley.

Jim retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Col. in 1981. During his 21 year career, he served two tours during the Vietnam War, earning the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Metal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Metal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and several other medals and awards. He was a Command Navigator with over 4300 hours of flight time in the B-52 aircraft.

In 1981, the family moved to Jonesboro where he served as a Senior Vice President of Citizens Bank. He also taught business classes at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge. He was an active member of and past president of the University Heights Lions Club. He held membership in local service organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, the Retired Officers Assoc, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans. A long time member of Walnut Street Baptist Church, he served as an Adult Sunday School teacher as well as a member of the Finance Committee and the Sanctuary Choir. The family moved to Fort Worth, Texas in 1988 where Jim was employed with General Dynamics as a Specialist in the Advanced Products Division.

He earned an M.A. in Operational Management from Central Michigan University in 1973, an MBA from Arkansas State University in 1988, professional degrees from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer’s School and the Stonier School of Banking in New Jersey.

There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Jim’s life on Tuesday, Nov.13 at 5:30 pm at Walnut Street Baptist Church, Jonesboro. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. A Memorial Service will be held at the Charlevoix Reformed Church in MI at a later date.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of Ron Hatley’s Sunday School Class and the University Heights Lions Club. Those wishing to leave a lasting memorial may choose the building fund at Walnut Street Baptist Church, 1910 Scenic Dr. Jonesboro, AR 72401, the Gideon’s Bible Society, P. O. Box 4002 Jonesboro, AR 72403 or the charity of your choice.