James O. Colbert

James O. “Jim” Colbert, 97, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

He was born September 29, 1926, in Des Arc to Fred and Madge Colbert. James was a 1943 graduate of Palestine High School. He attended Hendrix College in Conway where he was a member of the Phi Alpha Zeta fraternity.

He was proud to be a World War II United States Navy veteran. He served as Fireman First Class for two years aboard the USS Jefferson DMS during the Okinawa Invasion.

He met his first wife, Mary Louise Ashley, while attending Hendrix College. Two daughters came from this marriage. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Mary Louise passed away at 36.

A few years later, he met his second wife, Coza Evelyn Shopher. They enjoyed many activities such as gardening, spending time on their houseboat at Greer’s Ferry Lake, and swimming in their home pool. James was known for growing large delicious tomatoes which he gladly shared with his neighbors and family. They enjoyed many years of marriage until she passed away at 70 years old.

Time marched on, and he met his third wife, Bernita Warren. They had a full life and enjoyed dancing at the Senior Citizens Centers across Northeast Arkansas.

Family members always looked forward to his early morning calls during which he sang Happy Birthday. Even though it was never on key, they still enjoyed it.

He was a faithful member of the Nettleton Baptist Church and dearly loved being in George Williamson’s Sunday School Class. He read his Bible daily and had read it entirely three times.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Fred Colbert Jr.; his wives, Mary and Coza; and a daughter, Cindy Turner.

He is survived by his current wife, Bernita Colbert; a daughter, Teresa Colbert; a step-son, Randy Shopher and a son-in-law, Rex Turner all of Jonesboro; a granddaughter, Ashley Hunter; great-grandchildren, Alexis Eubanks (Scott) and Raine Hunter; a great-great-grandson, Crew Eubanks all of Mountain Home; beloved nieces, Sharon Warren (David) of Hot Springs and Anita Davis (Charles) of Searcy.

A celebration of his life will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Stan Ballard and George Williamson officiating. Interment will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

The visitation will be from noon until time of service Friday at the funeral home.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Scott Eubanks, Raine Hunter, Wade Lewis, Larry Brown, Brent Copeland and Ronnie Ford. Honorary pallbearers are the members of George Williamson’s Sunday School Class.

Memorials may be sent to the Nettleton Baptist Church’s Sowing Generously Together fund.