James Alton Hudson, Sr.

James Alton (Jim) Hudson, Sr. 88, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in Fort Smith. He was a skilled carpenter and craftsman and retired from Joe Cook Construction Company. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith and a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard serving during World War II, where he was stationed on Guam in the Pacific Theater. James enjoyed gardening and was an avid golfer who played golf until a few weeks before his death. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Birdie Dickerson Hudson of the home; two daughters, Linda Dodd and husband Robert of Rogers; Nancy Smreker and husband Bill of Fort Smith; three sons, James Hudson Jr. and wife Patty of Fort Smith; David Hudson and wife Tracy of Fort Smith; Mike Hudson and wife Debbie of Underhill Center, Vermont; a sister, Winnie Mae Dickerson of Clarksville; grandchildren, Rob Dodd and wife Denise; Ric Dodd and wife Terri; Kirk Dodd and wife Kathy; Amy Coleman and husband Cory; Kristy and Elizabeth Pryor; Kevin Smreker; Scott Smreker and wife Tonya; Brad Hudson and wife Chandini; Katie Chung and husband Anh; Scott Hudson and wife Sarah; Jacque Obert and husband Don; David Matthew and Brian Hudson; Rachel Scott and husband Andrew; Michelle and James Michael Hudson; and 17 great grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his parents Oliver Langley and Viola Ford Hudson of Clarksville; brothers, Reese and Cecil Hudson of Clarksville; one sister, Juanita King of Clarksville. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, June 22, 2012 at First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Ave., Fort Smith, Ark. 72901 with burial to follow at the U.S. National Cemetery with Military Honors in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home with Reverend Tom Ulrich, Reverend Cathy Ulrich, and Pastor Dale Thompson officiating. Pallbearers will be grandchildren Rob, Ric, and Kirk Dodd; Brad, Scott, David Matthew, Brian and James Michael Hudson. Honorary pallbearers will be Ahn Chung, Cory Coleman, Robert Dodd, Don Obert, Eddie Parks, Andrew Scott, and Bill Smreker. Memorials may be sent to Peachtree Hospice, 2910 Jenny Lind Road, Suite 4, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901 or First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.