John Coburn

John “Jack” Everett Coburn Jr., 80, went to be with the Lord on September 8, 2026. He was born January 13, 1946, in Humnoke, Arkansas, to John Everett Coburn Sr. and Effie Corinna Harris Coburn. He was raised in Humnoke, a place that remained part of who he was throughout his life.

Jack loved fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and above all, his family. He especially cherished time spent with his wife and the love of his life, Linda. Jack would do anything for his children and loved his family fiercely and without reservation.

Some of Jack’s favorite moments were the simple ones—quiet mornings sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, listening to music, watching nature, or settling in to enjoy a hunting or fishing show.

Jack was a remarkably intelligent and self-taught man. Although his formal education ended after the sixth grade, there seemed to be very little he could not figure out. He was gifted with his hands and could fix, build, or repair almost anything. He also knew the Bible from front to back and had an extraordinary ability to recall and quote Scripture.

Jack worked for Riceland Foods for 17 years, serving as both a driver and dispatcher before going into business for himself. He was hardworking, dependable, and respected by those who knew and worked alongside him.

Jack was not simply the life of the party—he was the party. He had a wonderful sense of humor, never met a stranger, and could make people feel at home wherever he was. He was generous to a fault and truly would have given the shirt off his back to someone who needed it. Jack was deeply loved and highly respected by those fortunate enough to know him.

Jack formed bonds that went beyond blood and titles. He shared a special bond with his brother-in-law, Bob McIlroy, whom he loved as a brother. As Jack once told him, “Man, you are my brother.”

Jack proudly devoted 20 years of his life serving his country in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. A Vietnam combat veteran, he served two tours in Vietnam and served as a Recon Ranger. His service and sacrifice earned him numerous military honors and decorations before retiring as a staff sergeant. He was immensely proud to have served his country, and “Semper Fi” remained a motto close to his heart throughout his life.

During Jack’s final hours, our brother Paul, who shared a special bond with Jack, occupied space with us over the phone, praying with Jack and comforting him as he was dying. Paul, I know you’re hurting deeply. I want you to know you’re loved and your grief is seen and I understand. Your presence was a gift to Jack and all of us, and I’ll always be grateful.

To his family, Jack was more than a decorated veteran. He was their husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, protector, storyteller, problem-solver, and friend. He was a man who lived fully, loved deeply, gave generously, and left behind the kind of memories that cannot be replaced.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John Everett Coburn Sr. and Effie Corinna Harris Coburn; his brothers, Bill Coburn and Tom Coburn of Stuttgart; and his brother-in-law, Bob McIlroy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Coburn; his children, Carmen and Johnny Mensch, and Sean and Carla McMurtry; his grandchildren, Trenten Palsa, Chloe Mensch, Adilee McMurtry, Trae McMurtry, Spencer McMurtry, and Tylor McMurtry; his brother, Paul and Doris Coburn of Evanston, Wyoming; his sister, Patti McIlroy of Beebe; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

Jack lived a life marked by courage, loyalty, laughter, generosity, and love. His family will miss his humor, his wisdom, his stories, his presence, and the unmistakable way he could fill a room simply by being in it.

His was a life well lived, a family well loved, and a country faithfully served.

Semper Fi.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2026, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com.