James Thomas Atchley Jr., 86, of Harrison died Sunday, July 10 in Springfield, Missouri.

J.T. was born August 23, 1924 at Gaither, a son of James Thomas and Eva Mae Curnutt Atchley. A lifelong resident of Boone County, he graduated from Valley Springs High School and attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway (University of Central Arkansas).

During World War II, J.T. was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division serving in France, Austria and Germany. At war's end, he returned to Harrison and with his brothers, Ray and Elam Atchley, was co-owner of Atchley Milling Company.

With a childhood nickname of "City" because he always wanted to go the big city, J.T. was of a most warm and caring family that considered education and serving others as family priorities.

J.T. was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Flem Atchley, Ray Atchley and Elam Atchley; and sisters Minnie Atchley, Amo Redus, Mary Pearl Johnson, Lorene Atchley and Leota Edwards. His sister Betty Malham resides in Cabot.

J.T. is survived by his wife of 61 years, Inis Mae DePriest Atchley of the home and children Charlotte Quattlebaum of Fayetteville; Tom Atchley and his wife Vicki of Little Rock; and Caralyn Millsap and her husband Jim of Springfield, Missouri. He was "Papa" to six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Family visitation will be at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 14 at Roller-Christeson with Rev. John Darnall officiating. Internment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jay Elton, Stormy Atchley, Will Atchley, Brian Atchley, Chance Hollingsworth, and Gabe Hollingsworth.

The family requests memorials to be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1100 W. Bower Avenue, Harrison, AR 72601.

Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com