John James Stoneman

John James Stoneman of Bella Vista, Ark., passed on Oct. 3, 2013. He was born Aug. 12, 1914, the youngest child of Nell and Roy Stoneman, in Phillips County, Kan. Early in his life he was a wheat farmer, working the family farm. He entered the Army Air Force in 1942 and flew as a glider pilot until 1946. He was a professional mechanical engineer, working for the government throughout the U.S. He was very active wherever he lived. He was a community supporter and active in the Boy Scouts and Soap Box Derby and various churches serving on many committees. Shortly after retiring to Bella Vista in 1975, John was elected to the POA Board of Directors where he served for six years, two of which he was the Chairman. He was also very active in the Bella Vista Community Church. John loved the outdoors and enjoyed bird hunting and fishing, but his passion was golf. He participated in many golf tournaments and was always happy to assist in tournament administration. John felt fortunate to have a loving family, a wealth of friends and a zest for living that allowed him to experience a full and successful life. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty; sons, John and Tom; their wives, Gretchen and Barbara; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at Concordia On The Hill, All Purpose Room, Bella Vista, Ark. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. Online condolences may be made to www.funeralmation.com.