James Robert Castleberry

James Robert Castleberry—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather—left his tired body and entered the Heavenly gates on May 16, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on August 25, 1936, to Harry and Louise Castleberry, Jim grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a proud 1954 graduate of Catholic High School for Boys and remained a devout Catholic throughout his life. Jim worked for many years at Meyer Brothers Drug Company before joining the team at Jackson’s Porcelain Lab, where he formed many cherished lifelong friendships.

Known affectionately as Jim, Jimmy, Bud, Dad, Daddy, Pop or Poppi, he maintained his trademark sense of humor until the very end. He was deeply laid-back and wanted for nothing, finding everything he truly needed in the love of his family. He loved bowling, playing pool, trying his luck at the slots at Saracen, watching the Razorbacks, and closely following the Chicago Cubs and Dallas Cowboys. He also shared a special love for fishing with his late wife, Anita. Among his favorite local pleasures were enjoying pancakes at the Frontier Diner, visiting the buffet at Panda Garden, and he was always happiest with a baby resting in his arms.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anita; his daughter, Bridgette Burkhart; his son, Kenny Gipson; and his parents.

He is survived by his children: James M. Castleberry (Meredith), Brian Castleberry (Meg), Theresa Webre (Luke), Chris Castleberry (Tracy), Lance Gipson (Pam), Bob Gipson (Darla), Nick Castleberry, Tina Walden (Mark), Bryan Gipson (Sarah), and Theresa Nix (David); and his sisters: Mary Lusty, Pat Merkley, and Karen Bontempo (Ben). He also leaves behind a proud legacy of 28 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to his wonderful neighbors—Chuck, Richard, Ronnie, and Sandra—for their kindness in giving Jim rides to church, visiting his home, and running errands.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Little Rock, AR. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Cambridge Place Clubhouse, 700 Cambridge Place Dr., Little Rock, AR. Arrangements and an online guestbook are available at smithfamilycares.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Catholic High School for Boys, or Cross Catholic Outreach.