James "Jack" Hackney

James “Jack” Hackney, 62, of Fort Smith, died Saturday, April 13, 2013 in a Fort Smith hospital. He was a former Sebastian County EMS Director, and retired Fort Smith EMS Director. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Vietnam War being awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals for Heroism, and one Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement. He was a Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Gayle; three daughters, Nicki Blankenship and husband, Craig of Greenwood, Jennifer Cates and husband, Darrell of Russellville, and Jessica Hackney of Greenwood; one son, Shane Spaulding of Sallisaw; his parents, Luke and Robbie Davis of Greenwood; two brothers, Jim Hackney of Greenwood and Jackie Davis and wife, Heather of Greenwood; two sisters, Darlene Hayden of Greenwood and Brenda Brooner and husband, Chuck of Poway, CA; two sisters-in-law, Bethany Davis of Greenwood and Roxana King of Fort Smith; his aunt, Debbie Sadler of Greenwood; six grandchildren, Matthew and Emma Blankenship, McKenzie, Marcus and Danika Spaulding, and Madeline Cates and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmie Davis and Randy Davis, and a granddaughter, Hannah Blankenship.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 at the Greenwood First Baptist Church with burial at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Greenwood First Baptist Church, where the family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Ken Kifer, Richard Carlisle, Eddie Beshears, Jack Hood, Sam Hiller, and Rick Canada. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Garbizo, Mike Jones, Larry Miller, Dr. Timothy Waack and Bob Sadler, in spirit.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or Stepping Stones School, Alma AR.