James Shelby Calhoun, age 83, a resident of Star City passed away Saturday, September 17, 2005, surrounded by his family at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. Shelby was born August 16, 1922 at Relfs Bluff, Lincoln County, to the late Travis and Alva McKeown Calhoun. He was married to the love of his life, Oleta Scott on February 21, 1947 in Monticello by Dr. L. Chester Guinn.

Shelby attended Relfs Bluff and Star City schools. He was a United States Navy Veteran, serving his country in the South Pacific during World War II. Shelby retired from the Pine Bluff Arsenal after more than 30 years. He was a member of the Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church near Star City, the Mt. Home Hunting Club, and the VFW Post #2746.

Shelby is survived by his wife of 58 years, Oleta Scott Calhoun of Star City and their three sons, Rev. James Travis Calhoun and wife Linda of Arkadelphia, Jean Scott Calhoun and wife Karen of Camden, Jerry Mack Calhoun and wife Becky of Star City. He is also survived by two brothers, Travis Calhoun of Houston, TX, Treavor Calhoun of Warren, and seven sisters Eleanor Lockert of Little Rock, Laverne Carter of Star City, Joye Robertson of Star City, Mary Lou Lawson of Monticello, Ann Woolley of Pine Bluff, Arnell Roberts of Star City, Sue Chambliss of Star City, ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Shelby was preceded in death by one brother, Harlen Calhoun and one sister, Mildred Millen.

Shelby loved his family and never met a stranger. He enjoyed fishing and rarely left the lake without a stringer of crappie. Shelby always looked forward to deer season and the camaraderie of all the men at Mt. Home Hunting Club.

A celebration of the life of Shelby will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, September 20th at Griffin Funeral Chapel in Star City. Bro. J. C. Patterson, Bro. James Calhoun, and Bro. Roger Stewart will officiate. Interment will follow at Holly Springs Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5-8 PM Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jimmy White, Robert Chambliss, Roland Chambliss, Vernon Blake, Spanky Blake and Lyle Blake.

Memorials may be made to Holly Springs Cemetery Fund or Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church at HC 64 Box 106, Star City, AR 71667 or Arkansas State Mission Project, c/o First Baptist Church P. O. Box 124, Cave City, AR 72521.

Arrangements are entrusted to Griffin Funeral Service of Star City. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the online guest book or send private condolences.

Compiled by James L. (Jamie) Calhoun, Shelby's grandson