James "Jim" Hervey Bemis Jr.

Born to James H. and Gertrude Bemis in Prescott, Arkansas, on July 10, 1930, Jim lived a life rich with adventure, learning, and dedication to his family.

Jim's early life was marked by a diverse range of adventures. In his teens and college years, he worked as a timber estimator, survey assistant, brush cutter, oilfield roughneck, and pipeline worker, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to embrace new challenges. In the early 1950's, he served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at the Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. During his time in the Air Force, he held the positions of Assistant Public Information Officer, Squadron Adjutant, and Squadron Commander of the Student Training Squadron.

Following his military service, Jim embarked on a career in mass communications. He worked as an editorial assistant in Boston, Massachusetts, before returning to Arkansas to serve as an editor and reporter for the Arkansas Power & Light Company in Little Rock. His passion for communication led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the university of Wisconsin, which he completed in 1968.

Jim's career spanned continents and encompassed a wide range of roles. He served as a communications advisor in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and founded his own communications consulting firm, (n)put International Inc. His expertise took him to Mexico, Alaska, Peru, and India, where he worked with international organizations like CIMMYT, ICRISAT, IITA, and IICA. Jim shared his knowledge and passion for communications as an Editor and Associate Professor at the University of Alaska's Cooperative Extension Service as a trainer and consultant for the Universidad Autonoma Chapingo in Mexico.

Throughout his life, Jim was a dedicated husband and father. He was married to his beloved Wife, Maydra Ray Bemis, for 65 years. He is survived by Maydra, their son James Bemis IV, their daughters, Barbara Meredith Wells and Amelia Shay Lastra. His grandchildren are Sophia Alexis Nicholson (Tyler), Duke Wells, Shaun (Angelica) and Christopher (Hannah) Lastra, Matthew, Brandon (Hannah) and Logan Bemis, and four great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff of Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gardens at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Rogers, AR, in Jim's memory.