James Tankersley

James A. Tankersley departed this life May 19, 2023 at his home in Ash Flat, Arkansas. He was born in Pemiscot County, Missouri on December 4, 1936 to James Isaac and Ova Irene Keifer Tankersley. James and Hazel Laverne Long married on November 13, 1966 at the home of her parents in the Rosa community of Mississippi County, AR. They made their home in Blytheville, AR where James was a police officer and had a local moving business for many years. He retired from Agriliance in Blytheville and moved to Ash Flat on June 1, 2005. James was a licensed minister and of the Baptist faith. He grew up farming with his dad and as a young adult helped with custom soybean harvesting. They both had a love for horses and participated in local rodeos. James enjoyed oil painting and was quite accomplished. He also helped establish a prison ministry in Sharp County, AR. James was the men's Sunday school class teacher at First Baptist Church in Ash Flat and operated the church sound system. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Carolyn Irene Craig of Ripley, TN and infant Janette Lynn Tankersley of Blytheville; a grandson (and namesake), James A. Tankersley of Virginia Beach, VA; and a brother, Charles Wayne Tankersley of Afton, MO. Survivors include his devoted wife of fifty-six years; children: Pamela Tankersley and Charlotte (Jeff) Hamilton, all of Heber Springs, AR, Claire Dougherty of Blytheville, and Alicia Tankersley of Ash Flat; grandchildren: Andrew Tankersley of Heber Springs, Nicholas Tankersley of Millington, TN, Brad Bartlett of Hermatige, TN, J. R. Bartlett of Wynne, AR, Hilton Craig of Martin, TN, Laura Craig of Ripley, Patrick Craig of Ripley, Amy Dougherty of Ormond Beach, FL, Jamie Dougherty of Denver, CO, Melissa (Ryan) Horn of Charleston, SC, Matthew (Kenya) Tankersley of Virginia Beach, VA; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Kaye) Tankersley and a sister, Donna Blevins, all of Franklin, AR; several nephews and nieces; and many good friends. James was loved by his family and greatly respected by all who knew him. ~Revelation 21:4 The family will have a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home, 1540 Highway 62/412, Highland, Arkansas.