James E. Bishop Sr.

James Ervin Bishop Sr. was a devoted husband, a strong father and a loving grandfather who loved his family fiercely. He was a kind, hardworking and brilliant man who accomplished so much during his life.

He laced up his boots for the Air Force from 1951 to 1971, where he experienced the Korean War, Cold War and the Vietnam War as a flight line mechanic. He retired as a technical sergeant and was highly decorated to include the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Also while in the Air Force, he was a member of a country band, the Midnight Ramblers, where he played the steel guitar. Their music was featured on Armed Forces Radio and on their own record.

He carried his mechanical skills into his civilian life and was able to work on anything, including televisions, radios, jukeboxes and pinball machines.

James always had a flair for creativity. He loved to read westerns and comics, build model airplanes and could successfully draw free hand any cartoon character. He also couldn’t get over the roar of prop engines and found himself in the midst of air shows, asking other heroes about their experiences.

James was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, the love of his life, Elnora Ann Bishop, whom he married April 27, 1964, and his son-in-law, Dewey Franklin Tankesly Jr.

He is loved and missed every day by his two children, James Ervin Bishop Jr. and Vicki Lynn Tankesly; his daughter-in-law, Stephanie Bishop; his grandchildren, William Ervin Bishop, Christopher Lynn Bishop, Brittany Michelle Evans and Sara Elizabeth Dale; and his seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Hot Springs Funeral Home with Chaplain John Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements are with Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Online condolences at

http://www.hotspringsfh.com.