James Freeman Helton - Trumann

James Freeman Helton, 79, of Trumann, died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, in Craighead Nursing Center in Jonesboro. Born in Tennessee, he had lived in Trumann since 1959, moving from Marked Tree. He was a retired mechanics teacher at Delta Technical Institute in Marked Tree and was a member of Parkview Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Helton of the home; two daughters, Dorothy Byford of Jonesboro and Kim McCulley of Trumann; a son, Buddy Helton of Trumann; two sisters, Bettye Davis of Manila and Sue Burress of Trumann; five grandchildren, Rhonda Byford, Christie Dunman, Heather Hutton, Amber Ponder and Jessica Ponder; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Nellie Spitzer Helton; and three brothers.

The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann with Rev. Paul Vincent officiating. Burial was in Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers were Buddy Helton, Junior Byford, John Dunman, William Davis, Kenny Davis and Timmy Muse.

Honorary pallbearers included members of the Parkview Missionary Baptist Church men's Sunday school class.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the Parkview Missionary Baptist Church, 104 North Parkview, Trumann 72472.