Crews is grand marshal

Jim Crews joined Beta Alpha thinking it would be something fun to do every now and then.

But, by the second meeting, two officers had resigned, there were five members left and the work was split between those five.

His determination and hard worked earned him the honor of being selected the grand marshal for the Pea Ridge Fair Parade.

“I’m slightly embarrassed,” Crews said upon being told he is the grand marshal. “That’s pretty cool.”

One of only two men in the state of Arkansas who are members of Beta Alpha, Crews was named Outstanding New ESA Member for the state of Arkansas 2012-2013. He is the first man elected to a chapter office and to a state office. He is the chaplain for the state of Arkansas.

Why did Crews join Beta Alpha?

“My Grandma Landis has been in it for years; my cousin Glorie (Oxford) is in it, too,” he said. “It was getting really close to doing. It was very important to my Grandma. I didn’t want to see it die in Pea Ridge.”

Crews, 34, grew up in Garfield, graduated from Rogers High School, lived in San Fransisco for 10 years and has been back in Pea Ridge for the past five years.

He is the son of Charlotte Atkins of Garfield, James Crews of eastern Arkansas and the grandson of Don and Eula Landis of Pea Ridge.