Jimmy Louis Kimbrell

Jimmy Louis Kimbrell, 77, of Current View, Missouri, formerly of Corning, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, May 7. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Gail, and by his parents, Ross and Ernestine Kimbrell. Jim was born June 19, 1935, in Calhoun City, Mississippi. He was a graduate of Dyess High School in Dyess, Arkansas, and of Mississippi State University, where he played basketball on scholarship. A veteran of the United States Navy, he was a Naval aviator and Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve, where he served 26 years. "Mr. Kimbrell," as he was best known to many, was a lifelong Arkansas educator, influencing generations of students, players and teachers. He began his career as a basketball coach and classroom teacher, before becoming superintendent and integrating Turrell Public Schools at the age of 29. He was a longtime superintendent at Corning Public Schools, where he retired after 34 years of public service. He received many honors throughout his career and left an indelible mark on education in the state of Arkansas. He was a charter member of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, and he was instrumental in ensuring all Corning schools became nationally accredited, making them the first K-12 schools in the nation to receive the distinction. Mr. Kimbrell enjoyed retirement on his Current River farm, where he trained bird dogs, hunted, fished, and relished time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. An accomplished dog trainer and handler, he was active in the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America, where he won numerous statewide and regional championships. He is survived by his four children, Virginia Kimbrell of Current View; Karen Kimbrell McDaniel and husband C.T., of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Dr. Tom Kimbrell and wife Tina, of Cabot, and Dr. Timothy Kimbrell and wife Monica, of Little Rock; grandchildren, Amanda Manatt Story and husband Bentley of Little Rock; Ben Manatt of Fayetteville; Kimbrelly McDaniel and Abigail McDaniel of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Kason Kimbrell and Gracie Kimbrell of Cabot, and Elizabeth Kimbrell and Ross Kimbrell of Little Rock. He is also survived by his three sisters, Nell Allen and husband Jim; Sanna Burlison and husband Bill; Nita Johnson and husband Bill, and a brother, Jack Kimbrell and wife Glenda. Jim was grateful for his wealth of friends and supportive church family at Doniphan United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Corning Central Elementary School Library, Corning Public Library, and Doniphan United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013, at 10 a.m. in the Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning, Arkansas, followed by burial at Hitt Cemetery in Success, Arkansas. Visitation will be at Ermert Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013. Online condolences: www.ermertfuneralhome.com.