Biography of James Fussell Sr, St Francis County, AR

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Submitted by: Paul V Isbell
        Date: 19 Nov 2008
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The son of Captain James Fussell, who was one of the most successful businessmen
in this area, James Fussell Sr. is head of The Service Company associated with
the city for over fifty six years in such enterprises as cotton ginning, auto
dealerships, and auto repair and gasolene station, and tire retreading. Mr.
Fussell Sr. was born and raised in Forrest City. The grandparents of Mr. Fussell
Sr. were pioneers who played a vital role in the history of North Carolina and
Tennessee. He attended the Forrest City High School, the Webb School at
Bellbuckle, Tenn., and then Eastman Business College in Poughkeepsie, N. York.
He returned to Forrest City in 1909 as a bookkeeper for the Fussell-Graham-
Alderson Company, of which firm his father was President. In 1916, Capt. Fussell
asked his son to join him as manager of the gin. In 1923, when Capt. Fussell
died, he assumed complete control of the firm. Mr. Fussell Sr., married Miss
Mildred Ford of Marianna on June 28, 1910, and to this union were born one
daughter and two sons. Mrs. Fussell passed away May 12, 1935. He is a member of
the Chamber of Commerce, has been President of the Rotary Club, President of the
original Young Business Men's Club and he served as a member of the Forrest City
School Board from 1926 to 1951, and as Secretary of the board part of that time.
It was during this time that the old Crowley Ridge Institute was torn down, and
the new school built in 1931. Bricks from the Institute were used to construct
the Lincoln High School. He has served on many civic roles and was instrumental
in having the street lights upgraded by almost single-handedly raising the
funds. Mr. Fussell has just passed the 65th milestone on life's journey, and his
life, as his father's, has, and is one of conscientious service to his business
and to his community.


SOURCE:
HISTORY of ST. FRANCIS COUNTY, ARKANSAS, 1954 - Robert W. Chowning

Copyright, with Permission: Weston McCollum Lewey, Publisher
-Times Herald Publishing-Forrest City, Arkansas