James "I.B." Presson

James (I.B.) Presson, faithful Christian, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away December 21, 2009, at Greene Acres Nursing Home in Paragould, Arkansas. He was born in Cochise County, Arizona, January 16, 1926, grew up in Halliday community, Arkansas, and graduated from Marmaduke High School. He served in the Army in WWII and received a Purple Heart for injuries received during battle in the Philippines. He was happiest when serving the Lord and surrounded by his family, and enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing. He worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad and retired as plant superintendent from Foremost Dairies. He was a deacon and member of New Haven Baptist Church. James was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Edith Presson, and sisters Nada Neusel and Shirley Robbins. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Betty Presson, one sister, Wanda Cartwright of Monroe, Louisiana, daughters and sons-in-law, Kathie Miller of Springdale, Arkansas, Karla and Rex Blackwood and Ann and Ron Pickney, of Paragould,, and one son and daughter-in-law, Ashley and Teresa Presson of Paragould, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and many friends. Visitation will be Tuesday night from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Heath Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at New Haven Baptist Church Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM, with Ron and Jared Pickney officiating. Pallbearers will be Ashley and Brian Presson, Grant and Jared Pickney, Rex Blackwood, Eric Robbins, and Kenyon Huggins. Honorary pallbearers will be New Haven Baptist Church deacons. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to New Haven Baptist Church. To register online, go to www.heathfuneralhome.com.