James Childers

James Wesley Childers, age 86, of Ozark, Arkansas, passed away at home December 1, 2013, from a stroke suffered October 4. He was born October 14, 1927, in Webb City, Arkansas, to Samuel E. and Elizabeth Hutchinson Childers. He is survived by three sisters, Betty Ruth Lookadoo of Fulsom, California; Dena Loudan of Gilbert, Arizona; and Wanda Rautenberg of Yuma, Arizona. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Billy James Inman and Raymond “Tub” Inman of Salinas, California, and his wife of 56 years, Betty Lou, who was the daughter of Charley and Susan Rogers Maier of Peter Pender, Arkansas. James and Betty Lou were married November 26, 1947 in Webb City, Arkansas. They are survived by one son, James Larry Childers of Ozark, two grandchildren, Sonya Renee Rogers of Fayetteville and James Wesley Childers II of Ozark. Survivors also include daughter in law Marcella Childers and friend Bobbie Biggs; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. As a young teenager during World War II, James worked delivering ice to residential homes around Ozark, he was also employed by the California Quarter Master Depot during World War II in Oakland, California while his mother worked making ammunition. Later, he was a warehouseman for Utah Mining Company located in Ozark; Salina, Kansas; and Farmington, New Mexico. He was self-employed as a service station operator in Ozark for Skelly Oil and Phillips 66 for many years and later worked for Hanna Oil and Gas in Fort Smith as a lease operator before retiring to take care of Betty Lou as her health deteriorated. James loved gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Visitation will be held at Shaffer Funeral Home in Ozark December, 4, 2013, from 6 to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of James’ life will be Thursday, December, 5, 2013, at Shaffer Funeral Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with committal service to follow at Lowes Creek Cemetery. The Reverend Dr. Walter Van Zandt Windsor, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be James Larry Childers, James Wesley Childers II, Jimmy Dale Ketron, Michael Howard, Demus Shaw, Ronny Shelby, Charley Smith, and Seldon Childers Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Smith, Jerry D. Rogers III, Leroy Roland, Frank Roland, Leo Seal, and Lawrence Smith.

James Childers

October 14, 1927 - December 4, 2013