Tommie James Jr.

Tommie James Jr., 81, of Blytheville, peacefully finished his earthly journey on Saturday, March 7, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Blytheville.

Tommie was born in Blytheville to Joe Thomas and Mamie Denton James and was a lifelong resident. He was the past owner/operator of James Bait and Hardware for over 50 years and member of H.I.S. Ministries in Blytheville. As a business owner, he supported and loved Blytheville in many different ways. He loved gardening and always had an abundance of products which he dutifully shared with others. When possible, he enjoyed taking the family fishing or having his son, nephews and friends go hunting with him. His success as a businessman was because of his treating his customers with kindness and closing on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday to honor his commitments to God. He was also a collector of many various items. In his shop was a wall full of baseball caps, soda bottles of all types from all over the world and various antique tools.

Tommie was a man recognized by many names. To some he was Tommie, and to others he was "Jr." or "Pop," "Dad" or "Brother James." All these names and many more were names of love and respect which he had earned over the years. Whatever name called by, he was the same gentle, kind, courageous, wise, compassionate, patient and loving Christian you would ever know. His love for his church family ran deep as he dedicated his life to the Lord's work. So we will refer to him as "Pop" for now as many in his family and church family called him.

Pop was a man who sought after God's own heart. This seeking led him to many individuals and families over the years as his Christian life touched and helped hundreds of needs be met. His outlook on life was a simple one. "Whatever God required, he would faithfully use all of his talents and gifts to ensure that it was done." He, along with Nina, his wife of 59 years served for many years as pastors of the children's church ministries. The children they taught are literally spread all over the United States and world, carrying forth that which they were taught. His greatest attribute was in giving. He never told people what needed to be done but rather showed them by example. His generosity was beyond measure.

Many, many more words could be spoken about this dear man but his life was not one of neither boasting, nor requiring to be seen or acknowledged for all his accomplishments. This gentleman called "Pop" will be missed.

In addition to his parents, Pop was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Dr. Ken Brassfield; one brother; and three sisters.

Pop is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Nina Richardson James of the home;

His children, Dr. Terri James Brassfield of Blytheville and Barry James and his wife Nancy of Paragould;

His grandchildren, Adam and Tasha Brassfield of Morley, Missouri, Aaron and Miranda Brassfield of Blytheville, Hannah and Brady Rogers of Paragould, Johnna and Nick Boggs of Paragould and Tamatha Brassfield of Blytheville;

His great-grandchildren, Alexandra Brassfield, Mason Lee Brassfield, Kaden Michal Brassfield, Azaria Boggs and Nicholas Boggs;

A special niece, Alice Watson of Armona, California;

A special Nephew, Glen Dunnam of Jonesboro;

His "adopted" grandson, Andy Peek;

His "adopted kids," Billy and Brenda Holifield;

A special "adopted daughter," Becky Brister;

And a host of spiritual brothers, sisters and friends.

There will be a public celebration honoring his life at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. The family would like to invite any and all family, friends, acquaintances and business customers to attend and share in the celebration. The family prefers casual dress.

Condolences and Memories may be expressed and shared to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.