James Stone

James Stone of Searcy, Arkansas died Tuesday December 15, 2009. He was born December 4, 1948 to the late James W. and Eva Disatell Stone of Malden, Missouri. James was a 1967 graduate of Malden High School and a Viet Nam veteran. He received two bronze stars for valor in combat and is among the legendary soldiers who fought at Hamburger Hill, a battle depicted in the 1989 movie by Paramount Pictures. Prior to his retirement in 2003, James worked for Lance Inc. as Branch Supervisor for 27 years. James married Rebecca McCain of Campbell, Missouri on October 24, 1970. Together they had two children: James Nathan and Melissa Dawn. James was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Kenny Stone. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; his son, James Nathan Stone and daughter-in-law, Tearani, of Searcy; his daughter, Melissa and son-in-law, Dr. Ian Michael Cawich, of Little Rock; and three grandchildren: James Dillon Stone, Ian Christopher Cawich, and Noah Lucas Cawich. He is also survived by four sisters: Peggy Presley of Wappapella, Missouri; Shirley Williams of Sherwood, Arkansas; Kay Dees of High Ridge, Missouri; and Kathy Leferney of Campbell, Missouri. He also leaves behind 8 nieces and 8 nephews, as well as a special kinship with his wife's family: Peggy and John Crafton of Columbia, Missouri and Russell and Martha McCain of Kennett, Missouri. James's passing has left a void in so many lives. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud "Papa". He was a good man, honest and a hard worker. He was the kind of man everyone respected and trusted. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. James enjoyed spending time at his son's tire shop. He was there so often he described himself as being "like a Wal-Mart greeter but with no time clock". He would arrive early enough to make morning coffee and stay hours talking to the customers. He made a lot of friends "just by talkin'" and left behind a legacy of stories that will be told time and time again by those who were fortunate enough to know him. James often said "the best thing that ever happened to him" was his wife and his greatest accomplishments in life were his two children. He loved to brag on his grandchildren and he cherished the time he had with his family. He found comfort in knowing he was greatly loved by his family, friends, and the Lord. He is no longer suffering with the cancer and is at home with Jesus.

James Stone

December 4, 1948 - December 15, 2009