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James West Obituary
Dr. James Stephen West of Heber Springs passed away on October 14, 2022.
Dr. West was a retired professor of English at Martin Methodist College (now the University of Tennessee Southern) in Pulaski, Tennessee.
A 1970 graduate of Heber Springs High School, he obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Central Arkansas.
He taught high school English at Shirley, Arkansas from 1975-1982, leaving to attend the University of Southern Mississippi from 1982-1985. Obtaining his PhD from USM in 1985, he began a long and well-respected career at Martin. He retired from his post in 2019 and split his time between residences in Arkansas and Tennessee. Upon his retirement, Martin dedicated The J. Steven West Classroom in recognition of his loyal service.
Dr. West was an accomplished poet, and his autobiographical volume of poems Almost Home features reflections upon his childhood and high school teaching days.
Dr. West enjoyed traveling, music and sports. Golf was a favorite pastime. In his youth, he played tackle for the Heber Springs football team. He was also a real student of pitching a baseball. He learned how to throw a great variety of breaking pitches, including the knuckleball. For many years, he played for the local semi-pro team sponsored by Bailey Mobil.
His great wit endeared him to a multitude of friends as well as his students. He was always ready to talk with anyone about any subject they were interested in, and his broad storehouse of knowledge included many humorous stories.
He was preceded in death by his father, Steven William West and mother, Agnes Watters West. He is survived by siblings Anna Pilkington (Keith) of Heber Springs, Michael West (Joyce) of Mountain Home, and Mary West of Conway; nieces Christina Stanford of Conway and Michaela Luelf (Ben) of Mountain Home; and great-nephew Nathaniel West Luelf of Mountain Home.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to: Cleburne County Library, 1009 W Main St. or Humane Society of Heber Springs, 49 Shelter Lane.
Visitation was held from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Olmstead Funeral Home with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. Interment followed in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James West
Sponsored by Olmstead Funeral Home - Heber Springs.
4 Entries
Carson Appleton
October 20, 2022
I cut Dr West´s yard in Pulaski. He wad always nice to me. I really liked him and hated to hear about him dying.
Betty Brumfield
October 20, 2022
Dr Steve West was one of the kindest men I ever met. Steve was funny and could make the world appear beautiful. He was a God-fearing gentlemen and I am so proud that he was a family friend.
Jimmy Pigg
October 20, 2022
Dr. West was one of the best men I have ever known. He was a brilliant professor and a true friend to all who knew. We will always love and miss the man.
Lee Pigg
October 20, 2022
I will never forget the first time I spoke to Steve. I was a freshman in college and wad told he liked the Romantic poets. I have always loved John Keats, so I asked him what he thought of Keats. He made a face and said in a mocking tone "Keats." It was at that moment that I knew I liked this man. He would become my mentor, my teacher, my colleague, and my friend. I was blessed to spend much time with him, watching Jeopardy!, Braves baseball, bluegrass concerts and HeeHaw. When I lost my twin sister, he was extremely understanding. I won´t forget the last time I spoke with him. I send my condolences to the family. He loved you all very much and spoke of you often. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
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Olmstead Funeral Home - Heber Springs601 W. Main St., Heber Springs, AR 72543
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