James Galen Sperry

James “Jim” G. Sperry, 78, died 6 March at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville AR. Born December 14, 1936 at Joplin, MO, he was the son of David J and Virginia Mayo Sperry, and was the second of eight children.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lillian Green and Judith Heikkila, brothers Stephen Sperry and son Douglas Sperry.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria S. (Ellis) Sperry of Bella Vista AR, son Brent Sperry (wife Janice) of Rogers AR, grandchildren Brad, Michael, Steven, Rebecca, Jacob, Elizabeth, Patrick, Kara, 5 great-grandchildren Gabriel, William, Hadley, Harper and Mason, and his mother-in-law Fern Ellis of Rogers AR. Also, brother David (wife Carolyn) Sperry of Largo FL, Sisters Miriam Clemmons of Pinellas Park FL, Susan Humphrey (husband Shain) of Omaha NE, Kathy Baker (husband Max) of Farmington UT and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim liked to hunt, fish and restore old cars. He served in the US Navy as an Avionics technician and loved to fly. After leaving the military, he worked as a field engineer for Smith Corona Marchant and Eastman Kodak. He retired in 1991 after a long career.

He lived a life of service and was a Boy Scout leader for many years, deacon in the Baptist church, 3 term American Legion Commander for Post 341 in Bella Vista AR and was on the Veterans Council board of directors for 12 years. He was instrumental in building the Wall of Honor veterans memorial in Bella Vista.