James Benton 'JB' Brown

Mr. James Benton "JB" Brown of Jonesboro passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at the age of 87. JB was born April 16, 1925, in Manila, the son of Bud and Myrtle Brown.

He grew up in Manila where he graduated high school. JB joined the US Army at 18 years of age and served in Germany during World War II. After the war, JB attended Arkansas State University, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education and Masters in School Administration. He returned to Manila to teach school, and subsequently became the Principal of Manila Junior High School.

JB served as the Mayor of Manila for 18 years, from 1965 until 1982. Under his administration, the Manila Hospital was built. He was a member of the First United

Methodist Church of Manila, serving as the Chairman of the Administrative Council for many years. He was married to Mary Helen Duckworth in 1970. JB moved to Jonesboro in 2000 and lived there until his death.

JB was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Brown; his father, Bud Brown; and sons Dr. Cary Crawford and Alan Duckworth.

JB is survived by sons Dr. Dwight Duckworth and his wife, Dena, of Springdale, and Dr. Benton Brown and his wife, Dini, of Madison, N,J,;

Two granddaughters, Alyssa and Ashley Duckworth, of Springdale; and

Cousins Macky Joe Ashabranner, Benton Ashabranner, Roy Lee Ashabranner, Ann Wells, Janice Crooms and Melvin Brown.

The family would like to thank the Keith Weyer family for their shared friendship, love and care and Dr. John Campbell, Dr. Ben Owens and the staff of The Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House for their care of JB.

Visitation will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. Friday with funeral services following at 2:30 at Emerson Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenneth Winningham officiating. Interment will be in the Manila Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be made to: First United Methodist Church, 209 S. Baltimore Ave., Manila, AR 72442 (870) 561-4936 or Methodist Family Health Foundation, P.O. Box, 56050 Little Rock, AR 72215. To sign online guest book go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com