Dr. James "Jimbo" Harris Flanagin, Jr.

Dr. James Harris Flanagin Jr. of Conway passed away August 4, 2012. Born to Dr. James Harris, Sr. and Marie Brock Flanagin on April 26,1934, he was 78 years old. He was a member of Central Baptist Church.

A basketball player in high school, he could not pass the Southside Bee Branch gymnasium on highway 65 without remarking "that's where I made All District". He attended Arkansas State Teacher's College in the 50's, participating in many campus activities, making many life long friends.

After amassing enough science credits, he applied for and was accepted to the dental college at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He graduated in 1958 shortly after marrying the gal who would be his wife for 54 years, Mary Louise Bush of Tuckerman.

He joined his father in the practice of dentistry in downtown Conway, across from the courthouse, and continued there until earlier this year. Over his half century career, he worked the first twenty years with his father, and just shy of the last twenty with his own sons who had become dentists themselves, a fact that he was proud of. Established in 1926, his clinic, Flanagin Dental Services, is now the oldest continuously run family dental practice in the state.

He was a faithful member of the Rotary Club, serving as district governor. He served on the Boards of Conway Corporation, Conway Public School, Oak Grove Cemetery, as well as being a deacon of First Baptist Church. He remained a faithful fan of the UCA Bears throughout his life, and was an original member of the Purple Circle. A member of the Air National Guard in the 1960's, he was called to active duty during the Pueblo crisis. His Cessna and pilot’s license were handy as he flew back and forth from Mississippi to keep his practice afloat.

Preceded in death by his parents, and sister Kathryn Lee Kram, he is survived by his wife, and four children: Mary Catherine Mann, Linda Leigh Flanagin, Dr. James H. Flanagin III (Celeste), and Dr. Francis Flanagin (Meredith). He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Catherine Wood (Brad), Mallory Mann, Patrick Mann, Abby Mann, Walter Flanagin, Audrey Flanagin, Sally Flanagin, Sarai Flanagin, and Palmer Flanagin. He was pleased to be a great grandfather when Natalie Kate Wood was born earlier this year.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday August 7, at Central Baptist Church. The funeral service, under the direction of Roller McNutt Funeral Home 501-327-7727, will be Wednesday, August 8, at 10 am, at the church, with Reverend Don Chandler officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are Dr. Monty Clark, Bobby Hill, Patrick Mann, Jay McDowell, Tommy Taylor,and Brad Wood. Honorary pallbearers are Phil Bumpers, Bob Henry, Dr. Larry Lawson, Dr. Waddy Moore, Senator Stanley Russ, Dr. John Sanford, Jim Stone, Lloyd Westbrook, and Gene Wilbourn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UCA Foundation, 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway, AR 72035. www.uca.edu