James Bland Christmas

James Alonzo Bland, Jr. "Jim" went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 17, 2019. He was the husband of Sara Ann Bland "Sally". They shared 41 years of marriage. Jim was born in Rogers, Arkansas, February 2, 1947 and was the son James Alonzo Bland "Lonnie" and Geneva Cora Holcomb. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1964 and the University of Arkansas in 1970 with a BA in Business, he also served in the Army Reserve. He started working for Wentz Sonis (now Kennametal) in 1966 retiring in 2010. As an Army Reservist, he took part in the Gulf War and served his country until he retired in 1991. Jim loved the Lord and served in the Gideon's and later as an interim pastor for a time at Sunnyside Baptist in Rogers. He loved gathering with his family and friends. He loved woodworking, puzzles and crosswords. He loved to travel near and far. He also loved camping at Beaver Lake and road trips to Tybee Island. He had a real zest for life. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Alonzo Bland and Geneva Cora Holcomb-Bland. He is survived by spouse, Sally Bland, a sister, Betty Jean Bland and a brother, Robert Allen Bland, four children, Dawn Bland, Kimberly Bland-Lowe (and husband Mike), Jamey Bland (and wife Julie), Stephanie Bland-Farnum (and husband James), as well as 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.