James Curtis Aldridge Jr.

James Curtis Aldridge Jr., 65, was born Sept. 25, 1958 in Blytheville to the late James Curtis Aldridge Sr. and Versie Lee McFarland-Aldridge. He married the love of his life Runree Aldridge on June 6, 1992. He accepted Christ at an early age at the True Light Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. O.W. Weaver. He was a good steward as head deacon and Sunday school superintendent. He later served at the Ruddle Road Church of God under the leadership of Pastor Danny Pankey.

He was a 1976 graduate of Blytheville Senior High School. He elected to attend vocational school and received a master electrician license. He took pride in his work, ethic, and ability to solve any electrical problem. His craftiness as a skilled electrician earned him the status of a lifetime licensed master electrician in the State of Arkansas. He was a contractor that aided many people in Mississippi County in the building of their dream homes.

He served this community through his ministry as a mentor for recovering drug addicts. He was an active volunteer at Heritage Square Nursing Home where he earned a notable recognition as Heritage Square Volunteer of the Year in 2014. Every Sunday morning before going to morning worship, he would stop by the nursing facility to pray with the residents and give them fruits for the week. He enjoyed helping others. He loved preparing fish and barbecue meals to feed anyone in need and he never took no for an answer.

J.C., aka “Duke,” will be remembered for driving eye-catching cars. He took pride in his car collection and was proud that others found joy in viewing and admiring them. He never met a stranger. He was well known and loved for his loud boisterous personality, contagious smile, and hilarious jokes. He was the life of the party and enjoyed every minute of it!

The neighborhood will surely miss his annual fireworks show. We all witnessed over an hour-long firework show every 4th of July. His act of kindness earned him the name “King of Fireworks.”

James Curtis Aldridge, Jr. was preceded in death by his father, James Curtis Aldridge, Sr.; sister, Mapler Thomas; and his loving dog, Kelis.

He is survived by his wife, Runree Aldridge; two sons: Keyunta (Trina) Aldridge, Sr. of Jonesboro and James Aldridge, III of Blytheville; one daughter, Brooke Aldridge of Blytheville; mother, Versie Lee Aldridge; seven sisters, Barbara (James) Wells, Irene Aldridge, Geneva (Freeman) Harris, Sherry (John) Prunty, Donna Aldridge, Denise Strawther, Penny (Stanley) Sims of Blytheville; three brothers, LaMon (LaToria) Aldridge Sr. of Blytheville, Roddrick (Betty) Aldridge of Alexander and LaTerrance Aldridge of Blytheville; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; mother-in-law, Shirley (Jimmy) Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 26, from 5-7 p.m. at True Light Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services will be Saturday Jan. 27,at 1 p.m. at First Baptist First Missionary Baptist Church, 600 East McHaney Street, Blytheville. Interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery in Blytheville.

Services are entrusted to Gary Wolfe at Wolf Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation, 634 W. Main Street, Blytheville.