James "Doc" Medsker

James C. "Doc" Medsker, age 83, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 7, 2012 after an extended illness. He lived the most of his life in Greene County but resided in Searcy for the past 22 years. Doc was a master painter who took great pride in his work and was fortunate to enjoy his occupation for 50 plus years. In the early 1950's, he did a two year stint in the Army, stationed in Sendai, Japan. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and derived much joy from his nine grandchildren. At age 43, Doc surrendered to the ministry. His first pastorate was Rosewood Baptist Church (1974-76) in Paragould, then Unity Baptist and Fairview Baptist in Greene County. Over the next several years, Doc was active in the area of evangelism, preaching revivals within the Greene County Association. In later years he enjoyed the role of assistant teacher for the Men's Bible Class at West Race Baptist Church in Searcy. Doc was a member of Valley Baptist Church. Doc loved to hunt and fish, and spent many consecutive seasons duck hunting with his younger son, Keith and a special brother-in-law, Sarge Gay. He also took great pride in the numerous piano accomplishments of his oldest son, Kermit. Doc is survived by his wife of 22 years, Marie Alsup Medsker, two sons, Kermit Medsker of Memphis, and Keith Medsker of Paragould, and a daughter, Kara Medsker of Paragould, a step-daughter, Lynne (Timothy) Kamerman, and a step-son Eddie (Wendy) Bozarth of Paris, Texas. He is survived by two sisters, Gwen Wynn and Ruby Guffey, both of California. Surviving grandchildren include Jacklynn Medsker, Anna McCain, David McCain, Alexis Kamerman, Sophie Kamerman, Justin Kamerman, Ryan Bozarth, Matthew (Ashley) Bozarth, David Bozarth, and a special great granddaughter, Ansley Kay Bozarth. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. Doc was preceded in death by his first wife, Bettie Boe Medsker, parents David and Mattie Medsker, two sisters, Nadine Elliott and Irene Howard, and two brothers, Roy "Bud" Medsker and John Medsker. The Medsker family wishes to express our deepest appreciation to Pastor James Hays for his many encouraging visits to Doc during his long illness and to the faithful members of the Open Door Class at Valley Baptist Church. Special recognition is bestowed on the following: Dr. C.E. Ransom, Doc's primary physician for 20 years, for his treatment and help since the onset of dementia four years ago; to Dr. Rodney Rains, we owe a debt of gratitude for his compassionate staff at the Clearview unit and for his expertise in the field of dementia/psychiatric care; to the very caring RN's, LPN's, aides, and social workers at White County Medical Center – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Lastly, mere words aren't enough to express my appreciation to Dr. Dewey McAfee and the Hospice Health Care Team for doing your utmost to comfort and care for my husband prior to his Homegoing. Visitation will be at Powell Funeral Home on Monday, September 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. Funeral services will be at Powell Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 11 @ 10:30 a.m.. Interment will be at Shiloh Cemetery in Paragould @ 3:30 p.m.. www.powellfuneralhome.net

James "Doc" Medsker

July 31, 1927 - September 7, 2012