James Newt Blankenship

James Newt Blankenship, 85, of Melbourne, Arkansas died Friday, August 9, 2013. He was born in Forty-Four, Arkansas on October 19, 1927 to Loren Smith and Althea Clementine Rodman Blankenship. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was honorably discharged after being wounded in battle. After his army service he returned to Izard County and wed Nina Jean Blair on January 30, 1953. He graduated from Arkansas College in Batesville, Arkansas in 1956 with a Bachelor's of Arts degree and was an educator for the majority of his career. He was Izard County's first County School Supervisor, a position he held until his retirement. He was an avid golfer and loved to hunt quail with his lifelong friends. He was a member of Melbourne United Methodist Church and was active in the church as well as other civic work. He is survived by his son, James Blair Blankenship and his wife Rachel of Fayetteville; three grandchildren: Blair, Holden, and Griffin Blankenship; four brothers: Paul, Wayne, Dean, and Carl Blankenship; one sister, June Willsie; along with many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 60 years, Nina Blair Blankenship; an infant son; an infant daughter, Nina Jo Blankenship; and five brothers; Fred, Rosco, Hugh, Guy, and Kay. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Roller-Crouch Chapel in Melbourne with graveside service to follow at Melbourne Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) in his honor. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.