of Everton, AR

October 12, 1927 - January 27, 2017

James Leland Rains, age 89 of Everton, Arkansas passed from this life on Friday, January 27th, 2017 at his home. He was born in Hector, Arkansas on October 12th, 1927 to Sylus Fredrick Rains and Thelma Drucilla Melton Rains.

James was a veteran of the United States Army during WWII. He joined in 1944 serving in the 32nd Division 128th Regimented Combat Team and participating in Villa Verde Trail, earning 3 combat stars and numerous other medals. He was discharged from his 2nd enlistment in 1953. He married Elsie McGuffin in 1954. James attended Evangel Assembly of God Church in Western Grove, Arkansas. He worked many years as a small instrument repairman for the United States Civil Service. James was a wonderful provider for his family. He will be remembered as a good man, full of kindness and good deeds. The steady, gentle presence of ''Big Papa'' as he was known by his grandchildren will be missed by all those close to him.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Elsie McGuffin Rains of the home; three sons, James Leland Rains Jr. and wife Lorna of Rockaway Beach, MO, Jon Lynn Rains of Ozark, MO and Roger Allen Rains, also of Ozark, MO; four daughters, Marsha Ann Verduzco and husband Ernie of Everton, Sharon Gail Nichols and husband Dave of West Sacramento, CA, Lanita Kay Longboy and husband Mark of Mt. Vernon, MO and Ronda Elaine Turner and husband Leslie of Harrison; grandchildren, Lisa Dahl, Sheri Oriyavong, Edilberto Doguiles, Lisa Williams, Tamy Keen, Melinda Gallardo, Grace Nalley and Sherolyn Nalley; twenty-four great-grandchildren including his namesake, James Leland Doguiles of the Philippines; and a host of other family and friends who will mourn his passing.

James is preceded in death by his parents; children, Jana Rains and infant son, Harland Joe Rains; grandchild, Richard Leroy Olt; brothers, Clifford Rains, Nolan Rains and Harrison Rains; and sisters, Myrldean Owen and Audra Fowler.

Arrangements by Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas. Funeral services for James will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 at Evangel Assembly of God Church in Western Grove, Arkansas with Bro. Dorvin Ricketts and Bro. Jeffery Jack Owen officiating. Special music will be provided by the Ricketts family. Burial will be in Nubbin Hill Cemetery near Leslie, Arkansas.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home
923 Highway 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com