James Leon "Jimmy" McWhirter, age 77, of Lono, died Thursday evening, February 25, 2016 in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Little Rock. He was born on April 26, 1938 in Clay County, Arkansas to the late Robert Spencer McWhirter and Ophelia Key McWhirter. Reared and educated in Marston, Missouri, he was a farmer. Learning the profession from his father and working with him for many years, he farmed soy beans on his own for 19 years in Southeast Missouri. He and his family moved to Arkansas in the 1980's. Jimmy was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a veteran of the United States Army.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Fortner McWhirter, of Lono, to whom he was married on June 27, 1959; by three daughters, Juanita Jean McWhirter of Malvern, Kimberly Ann McWhirter of Lono, and Jill Marie Williams of Meridian, Texas; six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jimmy was also preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

A memorial gathering will be held at ten o'clock Monday morning, February 29, 2016 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.