James Earl Standridge

     James Earl Standridge, age 82, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. Born on June 10, 1942, in Mena, Arkansas, to Eva Payte and Joseph Earl Standridge of Big Fork, AR. James lived a full and dedicated life marked by hard work, love for family, and a talent for fixing anything he put his hands on.

     James spent his early childhood in the care of his Uncle John and Aunt Alta Wright, after the passing of his mother shortly before his fourth birthday. Over the years, he moved between family members in Oklahoma and Arkansas, attending school in Madil, OK, and later in Glenwood, AR. He worked the fruit harvest in Oregon and held various jobs before joining the U.S. Army around 1960. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Ina Jean Standridge, and together they shared 61 years of marriage, raising their family with steadfast devotion.

     After a brief time working at General Motors, in Arlington, Texas, and owning a Phillips 66 service station in Glenwood, Arkansas, James began his lifelong career with Arkansas Power & Light (now Entergy Arkansas) as a meter reader. Through his dedication and hard work, he rose to become a Senior Lineman and Foreman. In 1993, he retired after a back injury, leaving behind a legacy of service to the state.

     A self-taught “fixer,” James was known for his ability to repair anything—from wristwatches and ice machines to televisions and automobiles. One of his most prized projects was the restoration of a 1968 Ford Mustang, which he painted his favorite color, Candy Apple Red. James never shied away from a challenge and rarely hired help if he thought he could handle the job himself.

     James and Ina lived most of their lives in Glenwood, AR, but relocated to Conway in 2000 to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted family man, he is survived by his beloved wife, Ina Jean Standridge of Conway, and their three children: Michael (Ramona) Standridge of Greenbrier, Jeff (Lori) Standridge of Conway, and Angela (Shawn) Moss of Greenbrier. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Rustin Standridge, Fisher Standridge, Michelle Hamilton (Josh Wilson), Katie (Dylan) Cruz, Anna Standridge, Hannah (Caleb) Wood, Haleigh Moss, and Hunter Moss, and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished dearly. 

     James was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Payte; father, Joseph Earl Standridge; uncle and aunt, John and Alta Wright; brothers Elgin, Floyd, and Harold Standridge; and sisters, Betty Lou Slate, and Margaret Hartin.  Despite the many hardships he faced early in life, James grew into a man of strength, perseverance, and kindness.

     He was a faithful member of Center Church of the Nazarene in Conway, where he found community and strength in his faith. His quiet determination, willingness to help others, and love for his family will forever be remembered by those who knew him.

     James will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy of hard work, devotion, and love endures in the hearts of those he leaves behind. 

     Pallbearers will be his grandsons and grandsons-in-law: Rustin Standridge, Fisher Standridge, Hunter Moss, Kyler Standridge, Dylan Cruz and Caleb Wood.  Honorary pallbearers are Roger Ketchum, Albert Coffman, Stanley Beck, Jimmy Buck, David Grant, and Alex Grant.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Center Church of the Nazarene in his memory.

     Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 24th at Smith Family Funeral Home-Conway (1751 Dave Ward Dr.), Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 25th, at the Center Church of the Nazarene (1501 Scott St, Conway, AR 72034) officiated by Pastor Tim Britton. Burial will be in Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Glenwood, Arkansas at 3:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at the Mt. Tabor Community Center next to the cemetery from 2:00-3:00 p.m. prior to graveside svc. Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com Conway and Glenwood location to sign the online guest register and view forthcoming  video tribute.