James "Jimmy" Ray Roan

James “Jimmy” Ray Roan, 77, of Crossett, passed away Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.  He was born on August 16, 1941, in Bastrop, Louisiana to his parents, J.T. and Rosa Mirabella Roan and was a 1959 graduate of Bastrop High School.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crossett, where he was a former Sunday School teacher and part of the Men’s Group Ministry who often visited nursing homes and elderly.

In 1965, Jimmy moved to Crossett and became a vital part of Ashley Drew & Northern Railway Co. where he eventually retired after 43 years of service.

While an avid LSU Tiger fan and former all-around athlete, Jimmy played all sports and coached and umpired Babe Ruth baseball.

His many hobbies included fishing, camping, playing golf, quail hunting, training horses and dogs, and enjoying long rides on his recumbent trike, but he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by brother, John Thomas “Doodle” Roan.  He is survived by his "bride" of 36 years, Margaret “Rose” Gates Roan, of Crossett; and four children, Mindy Roan, Rick Roan, Kathryn Moore, and Jan McKean; two brothers, Jerald “Stumpy” Roan and wife, Brenda, and Joseph Allen Roan and wife, Ann; one sister, Joyce Ann Roan; six grandchildren, Courtney and Meredith Sims, Dylan and Griffin Moore, and Samuel and Savannah McKean; along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 27th at First Baptist Church of Crossett, 701 Main St, with Pastor Jamie Staley officiating, followed by an interment at Lakewood Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Jeff Roan, Chase Roan, Philip Gates, Jomical Roan, John Mark Dietle, Bruce Cook, Donnie Hines, and Jeff Crise.  Honorary pallbearers are Mr. Phil Gilmore's Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Ministries or the International Evangelism Association.

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