Dr. James W. John

Dr. James W. John, physician and surgeon of Pine Bluff, was born in Cleveland county Arkansas, in 1868, and is the son of W.F. and Mary (Chambers) John, both of whom are natives of Wilkinson County, Georgia.

The father was a son of William F. John who was likewise born in Georgia. Joseph John, an uncle of Dr. John, served in the Confederate army during the Civil war. His mother was a daughter of James and Mary (Hall) Chambers, the former also a native of Wilkinson county, Georgia.

The John family was first represented in Arkansas in 1858, when William P. John, the doctor’s grandfather, came to this state and settled on a farm in Cleveland County. To the parents of Dr. John were born four sons and a daughter: Dr. R.E. John of Stuttgart, Arkansas; Dr. M.C. John, also of Stuttgart; Dr. J.F. John of Eureka Springs; Dr. James W. John of Pine Bluff; and Nancy M., who became the wife of a Mr. Myers of Stuttgart.

Dr. James W. John was educated in the schools of Pine Bluff and of Fordyce and also attended Hendrix College. In preparation for his professional career he became a student in the Medical College at Memphis, Tennessee, and he entered upon active practice in Princeton, Arkansas, in 1896. He has since taken postgraduate work in New York City and has always remained a close and discriminating student of the profession.

In 1901 he removed to Pine Bluff, where he has since successfully engaged in practice and his ability has brought him a prominent position in professional rank. He also has farm interests and for ten years he was state medical director of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Dr. John was married to Miss Myra C. Hall of Edwards, Mississippi, a daughter of B.F. and Amanda (Fair) Hall. Their children are: Anita, the wife of Dell Baughman; Myra; Margaret; Mary W.; and J.W., Jr. Dr. and Mrs. John are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, the doctor serving as one of the church stewards. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His activity and interest, however, center along the line of his profession, in which he is rendering valuable service to his fellowmen.

Submitted by Belinda (Brown) Winston