John Martin James

Flippin, Arkansas

John Martin James, son of the late Everett Elmer "Jim" James and Geraldine Smith Billingsley, was born August 30, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan.  He departed this life March 31, 2021, at his home in Flippin, Arkansas, at the age of 63 years.  John was a 1975 graduate of Melbourne High School.  He was united in marriage to LouAnn Cone on August 18, 1977, in Melbourne, Arkansas, and together they raised a daughter, Brooke, and son, Joseph.

John attended college at the University of Arkansas, graduating with a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Civil Engineering.  John was employed by the Arkansas Highway Department as Resident Engineer, from where he retired in April of 2020, after 35 years of employment.

There were many wonderful facets to John.  He was a Christian and a member of Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Mountain Home.  He was a great friend, husband, father, grandfather, engineer, master billiards player, cook, joke and story teller, conversationalist, fisherman, knife peddler, passionate music aficionado, and unicycle rider.  Even with his life so full and active, he could still make time to concoct and execute the perfect prank.

John enjoyed competing in billiards tournaments, most of which resulted in championship level victories for him.  One of his favorite ways to relax and spend time with friends and family was with a fishing pole in his hand and dreams in his head of how he would expertly prepare his catch, much to the delight of his dining guests.  On road trips, John's fellow travelers were often treated to one of his yarns about how the town they were passing through got its name.  Above all, he had a strong faith in God, a tender love for his family, and doted on his four grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife of 43 years, LouAnn James of Flippin; two adult children, Brooke Lacey (husband Kevin) of Eureka, Missouri, and Joseph James of Saint Charles, Missouri; four siblings, Judith James of New Braunfels, Texas, Steven Wheeler of Melbourne, Arkansas, Christopher Difloe of Ash Flat, Arkansas, and Nancy Valencia of Bennington, Vermont; four grandchildren, Samantha Lacey, Annabelle Lacey, Ethan James, Owen James, and a host of other relatives and many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents named above, his stepfather Edward Billingsley, and two of his sisters, Wendy Wheeler and Leah Billingsley.

Visitation and memorial service will be held Saturday, April 10, 2021, at Howard Memorial Funeral Chapel in Melbourne, Arkansas, with Sam Bailey officiating.  Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m.  Memorial service begins at 2:00 p.m.

Honorary Pallbearers:  John Burkhalter, Brit Burns, Mike Cone, Christopher Difloe, Greg Kreutzer, Tommy Taylor, and Steven Wheeler.

Memorials:

Melbourne Cemetery

Attn: Jean Harvell

P.O. Box 102

Melbourne, Arkansas  72556

Twin Lakes Baptist Church

2645 US Hwy 62

Mountain Home, Arkansas  72653