Sep 9, 2024 – A native of Arkabutla, and known worldwide for his movie roles and booming resonant voice, James Earl Jones passed away today at the age of 93. Numerous reporting services, including Variety, reported that Jones, known for being the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, Mufasa in the Lion King, and acting the role of Terence Mann in Field of Dreams, died at his Dutchess County, New York home Monday morning.
Jones was born in Arkabutla on Jan 17, 1931 and overcame a severe case of stuttering during his childhood. He did so with the help of a high school English teacher, who encouraged Jones to recite poetry in front of his classmates in order to gain confidence and to improve his speech.
Jones moved from Mississippi to his maternal grandparents in Michigan, where he went to high school, graduating from Dickson Rural Agricultural High School in Brethren, Michigan. The school is now known as Brethren High School.
Jones’ movie career also included playing roles in Dr. Strangelove, and the Hunt for Red October. He won two Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award and an honorary Academy Award.
