James W. Lipford

James W. Lipford, 77, of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, December 26, 2012, at NEA Baptist Medical Center.

Born in Somerville, Tennessee, James grew up in the Nettleton area and left here in 1961. He moved back to Jonesboro in 1967. James was a long-time Union Ironworker in the Local 167 of Memphis. He was baptized in Cottage Home Baptist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran, serving with the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division.

James enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and was an avid camper, hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Lipford, his mother, Lillian Sparkman Lipford Dorton, by 4 brothers: Bruce Lipford, Jr., Joe Lipford, Cleburn Dorton and Butch Dorton, and by 2 sisters: Norma Skiles and Dorothy Ellis.

Survivors include his wife, Nola Ann Lipford of the home;

3 sons: David Lipford (Michelle) of Brentwood, Tennessee, Darren Lipford (Jennifer) of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Dale Lipford (Amy) of Bono;

1 daughter, Melba Wooten (Rickie) of Jonesboro;

2 brothers: Junior Dorton and Wayne Dorton, both of Jonesboro;

1 sister, Christine Summers of Jonesboro; and

9 grandchildren: Adam Lipford, Jonathan Wooten, Bryan Rosse (Christa), Jordan Wooten, Jessica Wooten, Taylor Lipford, Mason Lipford, Hannah Allen and Devin Lipford.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Craig Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Nettleton Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Rickie Wooten, Jonathan Wooten, Jordan Wooten, Bryan Rosse and James Gatlin.

Visitation will be held Friday evening, 5-7 at Emerson Funeral Home.