Rev. J.R. “James Robert” McElhannon

Rev. J.R. “James Robert” McElhannon

Rev. J.R. “James Robert” McElhannon, a longtime resident of Jonesboro, reached his eternal home in heaven on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018. He was born in Henryetta, Okla., on July 19, 1944, to Rev. M.K. and Rosetta Been McElhannon. He was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God for nearly 50 years, pastoring churches in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kansas. In recent years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife; was an avid Arkansas State University football and basketball fan; and thoroughly enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favorite thing to do was to “pester, pester, pester” them. He also never met a stranger, and he touched many lives with his humor, wit and charisma.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve, training troops deployed to Vietnam. He married the love of his life, Gwendolyne Hill McElhannon, on Feb. 21, 1964. They have shared 54 years of love and commitment.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Michele (Glen) Dunnam, and Rev. Shawn (Sherry) McElhannon, both of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Jonathan (Brandi) Dunnam of Pocahontas, Jeremy (Ashley) Brown of Paragould, Stephen (Emily) Dunnam of Jonesboro, Jordan Brown of Bay, Thomas Dunnam, Shayden McElhannon, Shyler McElhannon, and Shelsi McElhannon, all of Jonesboro; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers; a sister-in-law; several nieces and nephews; special family members, and a host of loving friends and family members across the country.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Shawn McElhannon, Rev. Kenneth Doke, and Rev. Ronnie Snow officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at the funeral home.

Online registry: www.greggfh.com