James Paul Colbert

James Paul Colbert, 84 of El Dorado, AR; "A Tiger Survivor" passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2014 at Lifetouch's John R. Williamson Hospice House. Born on January 25, 1930 in Gibsland, LA; James was the son of the late Gotha Campbell Colbert and the late William Williams Colbert Sr., whose forebears were pioneer settlers of Bienville Parish, LA.

James was a member of Westside Baptist Church and the Golden Agers. He was an honorary member of the Bolding Deer Club. He was very knowledgeable about flower, trees and all of God's creations. James retired from International Paper in Springhill, LA and the Union County Center for the Handicapped in El Dorado.

At age 18 James quit school and joined the Army; He said" I wanted to go overseas and see the world ". James was stationed on October 21, 1948, in Japan serving in the post war occupation. On June 26, 1950 the North Korean invaded South Korea. He was serving in Company I, 21st Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division, the first UN forces to respond. On July 11, 1950 he was captured by Communists. He suffered 37 months and two weeks of captivity as a POW surviving starvation rations, three death marches, numerous death threats and beating, bitter winters and hot summers with little shelter. James earned the Korean Service Medal with 10 campaign stars, the United Nations Medal and the Occupation of Japan Medal.

James and Jerri often traveled to reunions with his fellow "Tiger Survivors" POWs. He will be admired as someone who embraced his past and allowed it to place a positive impact on the present. He found joy in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. James loved his God, family, friends and our country. Simply stated, we recognize a man who has given us so much, yet asked for so little. He will be greatly missed.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers William W Colbert Jr. and Jack Randolph Colbert.

Survivors are his loving wife of 32 years Jerri Taylor Colbert of El Dorado; daughters Patricia (Ronnie) Orr of El Dorado, AR and Bennie Hayes of Missouri; sisters Mrs. Robert (Mary Ann) Fetzer of Lilburn, GA and Mrs. Edward (Naomi) Wheland II of Gulfshores, AL; along with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Graveside services by Young's Funeral Directors will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Arlington Memorial Park with Rev. Gerald Perry and Dr. Glenn Sparks officiating.

Memorials may be made to Westside Baptist Church, 2400 W. Hillsboro, El Dorado, AR 71730 or the donor's choice.

The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Greg Smart, the 3rd floor staff of MCSA, and Lifetouch Hospice staff especially Pat, Kera and LaTasha for their wonderful care.