James Ira Whitten

James Ira Whitten, age 83, of Monette died July 1, 2013 at St. Bernard Hospital in Jonesboro.

James was the son of James Russell and Willie Mae (Safley) Whitten. James was born October 20, 1929, in Flint, Mich. The Stock Market crashed nine days later while his mother was still in the hospital. The family continued to live in Flint until the fall of 1932. James' first memory was the truck backing up to unload their belongings on Poplar Ridge. He grew to manhood at Black Oak, where he graduated from Black Oak High School in 1948. In 1967, he moved to Michigan and returned to Black Oak in 1985 to be near his beloved parents.

James was raised in Baptism at the age of 16 and was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. He was a member of the Monette Masonic Lodge #558 for 54 years, a 32nd degree Mason, and member of the Crowley Ridge Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

James owned and operated Whitten Refrigeration at Caraway from 1964 until 1967. He retired as a Refrigeration Engineer from A. C. Spark Plug after 17 years. He was highly respected in his trade.

James was joined in marriage to Joyce Hambleton at the Bristol Road Church of Christ. They celebrated 44 years of marriage on May 29th.

He is survived by his wife, and one daughter Joan (Whitten) and husband Vernon Gott of Jonesboro; two grandchildren, Kevin T. Richardson and wife Amber (Metz) of Jonesboro and Cynthia J. Miller of Clinton, TN. Four great grandchildren also survive: Corey Miller and Katelyn Miller of Clinton, TN; Carly Richardson and Cole Richardson of Jonesboro. His friends are countless; he never met a stranger and always paused to talk.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at the Monette Cemetery. Dick Pace of the Black Oak Church of Christ conducted the services under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Monette.

Those wishing to leave a lasting memorial please consider the Children's Homes, Inc. in Paragould, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association.

Online: www.ncnabbfuneralhomes.com.