Jim Hankton, 86 of Dermott, died Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Chicot Memorial hospital in Lake Village. He was a native of Strong, AR but was a resident of Dermott for the past 62 years. Mr. Hankton was a retired educator, barber and a member of the First Baptist Church in Dermott.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Addie Lee Slade-Hankton. Three brothers, Jethro, Levice and Walter Hankton; Five sisters, Arbertha Hankton-Bridges, Vernishtine Hankton-Abson, Irola Hankton-Newton, Arvester Hankton-Samuels and Christine Hankton.

Mr. Hankton worked in education for 35 years. He taught agriculture from 1956 to 1970 at Reed High School and worked as assistant principal of Dumas High School from 1970 to 1987 and as assistant principal of Dumas Junior High School from 1987 to 1991. He was a veteran of the US Army who served during the Korean Conflict in the Airborne Division. He was a barber in Dermott for many years and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed people, carpentry and gardening.

Mr. Hankton is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lucille Victoria Isom-Hankton and one son, Wendell, wife Zelma Williams-Hankton; three grandchildren, Valhalla Renee, Odin Elon and Asia Renee, six great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 17th at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Dermott located at 421 South Freeman Street with Rev. Lawrence Glover officiating. Burial in Dermott Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation is Wednesday, March 16th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at First Baptist Church of Dermott.