James Noel Jetton, 94, of Paragould, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at his residence. He was born September 7, 1923, in Beech Grove, to Robert and Essie Jetton. After Noel graduated from Beech Grove High School, he helped on his family’s farm until he was drafted into the United States Army.
While serving in the Army, he was deployed to Korea and the South Pacific. After his discharge he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked in a factory that manufactured war supplies. Noel returned to Paragould, where he began working as an electrician.
In 1948 he met the love of his life, Verna Watson. The two were married after three months of dating. To this union five children were born.
Noel continued with his work as an electrician and he had the distinction as being one of the first Master Electricians in Greene County. Noel was a husband and father who not only loved and supported his family unconditionally; he taught them to love the Lord. With Noel’s guidance, each of his three sons proudly followed in his footsteps as Master Electricians.
Noel was a long time member of 7th and Mueller Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and then an elder. Noel had a servant’s heart and he put the needs of his family and others above his own. He was happy to serve in any capacity needed.
Noel was on the board of Crowley’s Ridge Academy, Crowley’s Ridge College, and the Children’s Homes. He was an outstanding crappie fisherman that loved to share his passion for fishing with his sons. Time spent fishing was quality family time.
He was an avid gardener, known for his fabulous produce. Above all, Noel loved God and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Juanita Johns and Marie Jetton.
Noel is survived by his wife, Verna, of 69 years; sons, Kendall Jetton (Sandy), Redgie Jetton (Marilyn), and Shane Jetton (Cindy); daughters, Ginger Rodgers and Jill Owen; brother, Jerry Jetton (Frankie); and sister, Clara Tedder; grandchildren, Jason Rodgers (Angela), Libby McCurley (Chris), Cheney Rodgers (Caroline), Kandace Berner, Hilary Treat (Brandon), Abby Finley (Hunter), Jade Owen, Russell Jetton (Jordan), Natalie Bland (Jake), J.K. Davis (Carly); and fourteen great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 16, 2018, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 17, 2018, at 1 P.M. at Phillips Funeral Home with Michael Cox and Larry McFadden officiating.
Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens. Lasting memorials may be made to Crowley’s Ridge Academy, Crowley’s Ridge College, 7th and Mueller Church of Christ or the Children’s Home.
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