James Paul Smelser
October 2, 1944 - December 29, 2025

Rev. James Paul Smelser of Harrisburg departed this life Monday, December 29, 2025 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, AR at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 27 days.  He was born Monday, October 2, 1944 in Waldo, Arkansas  and lived in Harrisburg since 2009 coming from Trumann.    He was a building contractor and a member of the Trumann First Pentecostal Church. He was preceded in death by  3 sisters, 3 brothers and his parents, Daniel Pink and Rosa Thurman Smelser.       He is survived by his wife Bonny Smelser of 61 years, of the home; one daughter, Teresa Lynette Moss of Stockton, CA, two sons, Paul Turner Smelser of Harrisburg and David Carlston Smelser of Nanaimo, Canada; three brothers, Charles Edward Smelser of Sisco, TX, John Mark Smelser of St. Louis, MO, and Daniel Pink Smelser Jr, of Oregon; one sister, Francis Ella Schutt of Newberg, Oregon;  6 grandchildren, Tara Elliott, Tyler Moss, Tauren Moss, Brianna Long, Jordyn Smelser, and Ashley Smelser; 12 great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Colin, Logan, Lexi, Ashlynn, Katelynn, Landon, Brooklyn, Silas, Sloane, Ensley and Azalea.       The family will receive friends on Friday from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the First Pentecostal Church in Trumann, 407 Christy, Trumann.  A celebration of life will follow with Rev. Chad Batson and Rev. Murry Ray officiating  at 12:00 noon.  Burial will follow in the Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark.       Pallbearers will be Paul Smelser, Tim Moss, T.J. Long, Brandon Smith, Ethan Snow and Clayton Snow.       An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net