Dr. James Berkley Laird

Dr. James Berkley Laird, 84, passed away Friday at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. He was born on October 20, 1934 in Gladewater, Texas to James L. and Ina Mae Parham Laird.

His father and grandfather worked in oil fields with a portable driving rig. They moved often driving in Texas and other states.

James graduated from Odessa High School in 1953. He then attended Sul Ross State Teacher's College and then Texas A&M University, where he later graduated from Texas A&M University Veterinary School in 1961.

That same year in June, he moved to Paragould, Arkansas. He worked with Dr. Robert Fahr at Paragould Animal Clinic until Dr. Fahr retired. He worked alone until his daughter, Lisa, graduated from L.S.U. Veterinary School in 1985. She worked with her dad until she relocated to California. Dr. Steve Copeland also worked with him in the practice. He retired in August 2006. Dr. Emily Carter then purchased the practice.

Dr. Laird was an active member of the Paragould Exchange Club for many years where he achieved 21 years of perfect attendance. He was also a member of the Paragould School Board and the Arkansas School Board Association. He was a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Paragould, Arkansas.

After retirement, Dr. Laird went to Arkansas State University on the Silver Scholar Program. He enjoyed classes in print making, ceramics, drawing, water color, and horticulture. He also had Master Gardener training and enjoyed participating in projects in Paragould. Through the years, he enjoyed going to Couch's BBQ at 8:00 pm in the evening to meet with his coffee shop buddies. When he was no longer able to work in the Master Gardener's Projects around town, he enjoyed going to the Greene County Library to work jigsaw puzzles and to visit with people.

He was a storyteller and was always sharing about experiences while he was growing up or of when he was treating animals on farm calls or in the clinic. He enjoyed his life and his work.

Survivors include his wife, Roma Jolene Fulkerson Laird, of the home; daughter, Lisa Gail Laird Miller; son, James Paul (Beverly Kay) Laird; grandchildren, Mary Leigh Miller Clayton, Megan Lynn Miller, Desiree Michelle Laird, Zachary (Julia Berrill) Laird; Great grandchildren, Kaylee Renee and Baylee Jo Clayton, Aiyden and Nora Jolene Laird, and Isabella Rose Laird.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Gail Laird Stull; brother, John Daniel Laird; and son-in-law, Robbie Miller.

Visitation will be Friday from 11:00-1:00 pm at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm with Dr. Tony Cherry officiating. Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Dr. Steve Copeland, Dr. Brent Reddick, Ron Robinson, Tommy Pitcher, Henry Laxton, and Dale Miller. Send memorials to First Baptist Church of Paragould . Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House, or to a charity of the giver's choice.