Robinson Mortuary

JAMES HENRY VAN BUREN, 91, retired Sergeant First Class (SFC) United States Army passed away in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born March 18, 1934, in Fulton Missouri, the son of James E. and Virginia (Gross) Van Buren. He was preceded in death by both parents, brother, William “Bill” Van Buren, Fulton, MO; sisters Martha L. Cooper, Kansas City, MO and Leona E. Ballance, Grandview, MO; former wives Vallie M. Van Buren, Augusta, GA and Shirley D. Van Buren, Little Rock, AR; daughter-in-law Myriam Van Buren, Augusta, GA. He leaves to cherish his memory: a son, Ronald E. Van Buren, Augusta, GA; a daughter, Arletta R. Van Buren, Chicago, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He attended George Washington Carver elementary school in Fulton, MO, then Lincoln University Laboratory High School in Jefferson City, MO, continuing his education at Lincoln University. Circumstances prevented him from completing his education. In January 1955 he joined the United States Army, on a career move that lasted twenty-two years. His overseas assignments were Germany, Korea, the Netherlands and Viet Nam. On returning from Viet Nam he was assigned to the US Army District Recruiting Command, Little Rock, Arkansas. This was his last assignment before retiring and making Little Rock, AR his home. Other stateside assignments were Ft Chaffee, AR; Fort Lee, VA; Ft Gordon, GA; White Sands Missile Range, NM; Ft Sill, OK and Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. He was the recipient of the following decorations: Bronze Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal (Silver Loop); National Defense Medal; Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal; Viet Nam Service Medal; and the Meritorious Service Medal. He retired in January 1977 after 22 years of dedicated Military Service.

After retirement he attended Capitol City Junior College, receiving an Associate Degree in Business Administration. On completion he went to work for the US Army District Recruiting Command in Little Rock, AR. On their reorganization he went to work for the US Army Corps of Engineers, where he worked until his retirement in March 1996. Since his retirement, he traveled, engaged in various activities and just enjoyed life. Graveside Celebration: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 12 noon at Arkansas State Veteran Cemetery, NLR , AR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, LR, AR. 501-371-0111. “Service You Can Trust”