James Ralph Hudspeth, age 87 of Harrison, passed away at home on April 2nd, 2021. He was born January 9, 1934 in St. Joe, Arkansas to Ralph and Drusilla (Battershell) Hudspeth. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald Bert Hudspeth of Harrison.

James attended and graduated from St. Joe High School and then graduated from Arkansas Tech University where he attended on a basketball scholarship. He was twice named all-conference while at Tech and his team went to the NAIA final four his last two years. He enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard where he served over 30 years, retiring as Captain.

After college, James moved to Marshall and went into business with his brother. While there, he met and married his wife of 62 years, Donal Ray Horton. They moved to Harrison in the early 60's where he owned and operated Hudspeth Oil Company for almost 40 years. In retirement, James enjoyed fishing, spending time with family, watching sports and hanging out with the guys at the coffee shop in the mornings.

James is survived by his wife Donal of the home, daughter Ann (Donnie) Choate of Raymore, MO, son Jim (Stefanie) Hudspeth of Boca Raton, FL, grandsons Nick Choate of Washington D.C., Steve (Kristen) Choate of Harrisonville, MO, Crayton Hudspeth of Boca Raton and granddaughter Casey Hudspeth of Boca Raton. As well as 2 great grandsons, Landon and Easton Choate of Harrisonville.

Graveside service is Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Red Hill Cemetery, in Marshall, at 2:00 p.m. Kurt Cypert will officiate. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

There is no visitation.