James A. DeVazier

Dr. James A. DeVazier, Sr., 95, of Jonesboro, died Monday, December 18, 2023, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House.  He was born October 21, 1928, in Trumann, Arkansas, but grew up in Forrest City, Arkansas.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Judy; by his mother, Mrs. Lorene Miller; his father, Garland DeVazier; and a half-brother, Buddy DeVazier.  Dr. DeVazier graduated from FCHS in May 1946 where he was a member of the National Honor Society and president of his senior class.  Upon graduation at age 17, he enlisted in the Navy.  After his discharge in 1948, he enrolled for the fall semester at UCA, then Arkansas State Teachers College, receiving a BSE degree in 1951.  After graduation, he taught and coached, primarily football, for fourteen years in Forrest City.  He was married to Julianne Gross on June 6, 1954.  After receiving his MA degree from the University of Memphis, he left Forrest City in 1964 to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville completing an Ed. D degree in 1968 and soon moved to Jonesboro where he was a teacher and administrator in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Arkansas State University.  He retired in December 1991, after 24 years, as Emeritus Professor of Physical Education.

He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church teaching youth and adult Sunday school classes and serving on various committees, and ushering.

Both of Dr. DeVazier’s sons were active in sports which brought Dr. DeVazier and his wife many enjoyable years of watching them participate.  Besides sports, he enjoyed his grandchildren, family camping trips, fishing, hunting, tennis, reading, yard work and walking with his wife and/or his dog.  In his retirement years, he took up golf, worked in the yard, and read plenty of books.  

He leaves his two sons, Jim, Jr (Sally) of Jonesboro, Jeff (Cindy) of Stuttgart, two grandchildren, Adam DeVazier (Christal) of Memphis, Sara Beth Smith (Jacob) of Lake Village, Arkansas, a half-sister, Gail Taylor of Hensly, Arkansas, a niece, Lori Oldham of Wilmington, N.C., a sister-in-law, Julie Gross of Forrest City, a nephew, Dr.  Baker Gross of Memphis, and a great granddaughter, Hallie Lynn Smith.    

A graveside service for family and friends will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 21st, at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Jim Stillwell officiating.   An informal visitation will take place before and after the service.

A special thanks to all of Coach DeVazier’s ex-football players for their hard work and dedication; to his co-workers at Arkansas State University; to members of the Harry Hill Sunday School class; to his “golfing buddies who graciously tolerated my game.”

The family wishes to thank his many caregivers he has had the past two years.

Persons desiring to leave memorials please consider First Methodist Church; the NEA Humane Society; or the Henderson/DeVazier Endowment Fund in Forrest City, P.O Box 3002, 72336 or at ARCF.org. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.