Jim "Earl" Jackson, 87, of Blytheville died Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville.

Born in Etowah, he was a lifelong resident of the community. He was a member of West Ridge Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was a farmer and also drove a school bus for the Mississippi County School system for 24 years.

Survivors include his wife, Gennetta "Gearldine" Jackson of Blytheville; one son, Earl "Bud" Jackson of Manila; two daughters, LaVelle Mann of Blytheville and Patricia Ellis of Gosnell; six grandchildren, Melita Sims, Gina Pitman, Rhonda Methany, Dana Simpkins, Greg Ellis and Kevin Ellis; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex "Cole" and Molly Walker Jackson, three brothers, three sisters and one grandson.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 22 at Murphy Funeral Home chapel in Lepanto, with Rick Blackwell officiating. Burial followed in Garden Point Cemetery at Etowah.

Pallbearers were Ernie Girdley, Merle Weathers, Jimmy Russell, Malcolm Weathers, Greg Ellis and Kevin Ellis.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice Center of Blytheville.