James J. Whisnant

James J. Whisnant (Jimmy), of North Little Rock, died September 8, 2017. He was born March 31, 1925, in Valley Springs, Arkansas, the fifth child of James Elmer and Stella Jones Whisnant. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, Alice Beatrice Whisnant and one great-grandchild. He is survived by two sons, James Larry Whisnant (Sue) of Thorndale, Texas and Virgil William Whisnant of Sherwood; one daughter, Becky Terry (James) of North Little Rock; three grandsons and seven great-grandchildren. Jimmy was very proud of his military service. He joined the U.S. Army at age 15. When the Army discovered he was underage, he was discharged before his 16th birthday. Immediately following his birthday in March 1941, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served until 1945. Jimmy firmly believed that "once a Marine, always a Marine." Jimmy worked as a truck driver for Southern Paper Box Co. for over 38 years. He drove over three million miles during his career. The family is grateful to Lakewood Nursing and Rehabilitation for their loving care during the last eight years. Special thanks also to Kindred Hospice for their loving support during Jimmy's last months. Graveside service will be Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 11 a.m. with military honors at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Arkansas Patriot Guard Rides, Inc., P.O. Box 866, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F Kennedy Blvd; North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116; 501-791-7400 Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.