PINE BLUFF — James Craig Balch,

60, died November 5, 2021, after a very short battle with cancer. He took his last breath surrounded by his family. Balch was born March 22, 1961, in Little Rock, Ark. Balch was a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm and served the Arkansas National Guard for almost 28 years.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, under the direction of Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72114, 501-7581170. Visitation will be Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Sign Mr. Balch’s online guest register at: www.smithfamilycares.com