Jonesboro- James C. L. Mangrum, 93, formerly of Black Oak, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2016 at his home.

He was born April 3, 1923 in Black Oak. JC grew up in the Mangrum and Caraway area and had lived in Black Oak for many years. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theater. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 1991 and the Monette American Legion Post 136 for many years. He was a sixty year member of the Monette Masonic Lodge 558.

He was a farmer, a mill-wright and a truck driver who enjoyed small town living, music and loved his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Wilcox Mangrum; his mother, Annie Mangrum; his parents, Lane and Georgia Stark and a sister, Eva Mae Cook.

He is survived by his children, James L. "Jim" Mangrum of Memphis, Mary Lynn Williams (Eddie) of Jonesboro and Theresa "Tammy" Waymire (Arthur) of Byhalia, Mississippi; two sisters, Joyce Goodman of Jonesboro and Anita Peek of Lenexa, Kansas; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from noon until 2:00 pm Saturday, November 26, 2016 at New Hope Baptist Church in Black Oak.

A celebration of his life will be 2:00 pm Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church in Black Oak with Rev. Jerry Wilcox officiating. Interment will follow at Monette Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Monette.

Honored to serve as pallbearers Jeremiah Thacker, James Mangrum, Phillip Wilcox, Jesse Wilcox, Cole Ashley and Stacy Thomas and as honorary pallbearers, Leon Cook, Steve Cook, Houston Thomas, Black Oak Arkansas Band members and Overcomers Choir.