Chief Jamie McCrary

Chief Jamie McCrary passed away Saturday October 14, 2023, at his home in Marked Tree, AR after fiercely fighting multiple forms of cancer for several years. Chief Jamie McCrary born James Douglas McCrary was born on August 28, 1957, in Harrisburg, AR to Jesse and Jo Ann Martin McCrary and was of the Baptist faith.

Chief McCrary met the absolute love of his life and best friend Lisa (Phillips) McCrary during the summer of 1977. Quickly falling in love with her, the two were married on June 3, 1978. Jamie and Lisa spent over forty-five years together. The love they shared with each other was and is a shining example for all those that had the pleasure of being around them. Jamie passionately loved his best friend and bride, always making sure she and everyone else knew the love they shared. Together they had three children that he adored. Jamie was an avid family man and worked hard to provide for his family. Chief McCrary was a hard and proud worker, from his early days working on the farm or his parents’ motel in Payneway, to his adult life where he became an expert craftsman and carpenter. He would put his heart into everything he built or worked on, ensuring that the very best job and then some was done. He was a perfectionist when it came to his work, the job was done right and perfect, Jamie was proud of his work and work ethic. Chief McCrary loved his family and was very involved with his children and grandchildren. Coaching youth was also a passion, coaching for a number of years he was able to coach his son and two of his grandsons. In 1998 he helped coach the sixth-grade peewee football team to its first championship, that team was undefeated closing that season winning the Peewee Superbowl. Jamie loved spending time with his family. He and his bride would often travel, he loved traveling with his wife. Jamie was an avid Arkansas Razorback and Dallas Cowboy fan, never missing a game and cheering them on no matter the outcome. Chief McCrary was passionate about his fire service. He joined the Marked Tree Fire Department in 1988 and served his community with distinction and honor. Working through the ranks he became Fire Chief in 2009. He loved the Fire Department, his firefighters, and his community. He was a dedicated Fire Fighter and Fire Chief. On December 31, 1990, then Firefighter McCrary was selected as Fire Fighter of the year. On December 20, 2014, Chief McCrary received a Proclamation from the City of Marked Tree for “Appreciation for Outstanding Fire Chief”. Chief McCrary was instrumental in the restart of the Delta Cotton Pickin Jubilee, he started the Annual Marked Tree Fire Department’s Christmas Parade and oversaw the creation of the Annual Marked Tree Toys for Tots Drive. Together he and his wife Lisa started the Annual Marked Tree roadblock for the annual Make A Wish Have-A-Heart Wish-A-Thon. Chief McCrary loved the Fire Department and his Fire Service, he loved serving as Chief, and he would often boast that as Fire Chief he served under five different mayors and never got called into the office. Chief McCrary served the City and Fire District for over thirty-four years on the Fire Department and over thirteen years as Chief, the last couple years he served all the while battling multiple forms of cancer.

Chief Jamie McCrary is proceeded in death by his parents: Jesse and Jo Ann McCrary, sister: Linda Sue O’Dell, and his father & Mother-In-law: Paul and Betty Philips.

Chief McCrary is survived by the love of his life his Wife: Lisa McCrary of Marked Tree, two daughters: Amber Simmons (Ronnie) and April Ragan (Jackie) of Marked Tree, one son: Chad McCrary (Candice) of Marked Tree, eight Grandchildren: Chaz Simmons (Hailee), Jamie G. Ragan, Mason McCrary, Adalyn Ragan, Hayz Simmons, Paisley McCrary, Emery McCrary, Rigz Simmons, and one Great Granddaughter: Blakelee Simmons, Two sisters: Deb Bragg (Olen) of Jonesboro, and Terry Davis (John) of Newfane, Vermont, one brother: Tommy McCrary (Sherry) of Marked Tree, one uncle: Will McCrary (Leah) of Harrisburg, and his beloved Dalmatian and man’s best friend Pager.

The family is thankful for everyone at St. Bernards Cancer Center, Jonesboro and a special thanks to Dr. Humdum Durrani and Callie Poole, APN.