James Monroe 'Jim' Casey, 95, previously of Knoxville, Arkansas and late, of Wichita, Kansas, died there on Sunday, January 21, 2018. He was the son of Monroe Jackson and Fannie Blair (LaRue) Casey, and was born at or near Silex, Arkansas, just a hefty stones throw from where he was laid to rest. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings except Evelyn, and his son Ron. His services were scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Monday, 29 Jan 2018, at Roller-Cox Funeral Home, Clarksville, Arkansas, followed with interment at Adams Cemetery.

James Monroe Casey, 95, formerly of Knoxville, AR, died on January 21, 2018, in Wichita, Kansas. Born, depending upon the home site, in Pope or Johnson County, Arkansas on November 24, 1922, he was one of six children born to Monroe Jackson and Fannie (LaRue) Casey. Jim attempted to volunteer for WWII twice but was turned down for his eyesight (legally blind in one eye due to a childhood accident, and for his high blood pressure). He was also refused entry due to being the sole support of his parents, as his two brothers were already serving. And even late in life, he'd tear up (likely due to his Irish lineage) when talking about being denied serving his country. Jim then turned to the CCC, where he was accepted and served at the Ozone Camp, N of Clarksville, from about 1942, until the program was discontinued, due to the war. James did many things, including farm labor, but his forte was carpentry, where he excelled. People in the Johnson County area said they didn't care who built or improved their homes and barns as long as it was Jim Casey. He also did carpentry in the Wichita area for several years. And he was a farmer and gardener all his life, right up into his early nineties. And despite his vision problems, he was an exceptional driver. If it had two or twenty wheels, he could drive it (and fix it.) There wasn't a dirt road or a logging road anywhere he the hills that could get him stuck - at least not for long. He married Virginia Daniels on May 4, 1946, in Clarksville, Arkansas. After living in numerous places for many years, they moved back to the Lamar/Knoxville area in 1971. He was a member of the Mt. Vernon Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings; Thelma Houston, Raymond Casey, Charles Casey, and Estelle Casey; his wife of 71 years, who died twenty-three days prior to his own death; and son Ron, who died in 2016. Survivors include daughter, Carolyn Williams; son, Terry Casey both of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren, Jarrod Casey and Amanda Lawson, both of Hindsville, Arkansas, Steven Williams, Kimberly Wilkinson, Tiffany Howard, Denise Balli, Chayney Shuck, Kash Overton, Andrew Balli-Williams, and Aailyah Williams, all of the Wichita area, Chris Williams, San Diego, California; and foster granddaughter, Debra Francis; great-grandchildren, Megan Lawson, Bethany Lawson and Grant Casey, Hindsville; Hanna Wilkinson, Braden Wilkinson, Katerina Woods, Mikaila Woods, Virginia Disbro, Cassandra Disbro, and foster great-grandchild, Kent Allen; great-great-grandchildren, Reece Shuck and Elliana Overton, all of the Wichita area; and surviving sister, Evelyn Lessly, Bella Vista, Arkansas. Service were held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 29, 2018 at Roller-Cox Funeral Home, Clarksville, Arkansas, Paul Farrar officiating, followed with internment at Adams Cemetery. A memorial was established with the National Forest Foundation, Missoula, Montana, for the giving of trees.