James Edward Jones

James “Tuffy” Jones of Cabot went to his heavenly home on June 23, 2024. Tuffy was born on January 2, 1937, in Mineola, Texas, to Thomas Mansell Jones and Alta Wren-Jones.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 66 years, Arlene Pearson-Jones; his daughter, Debbie Douglas (Dave) of Mount Vernon; his sister, Alice Driskill (Vernon), and his brother, Trieber Jones (Brenda), both of Cabot. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jeremy Gwin (Noelle) of Little Rock, Caleb Gwin of Cabot, Elijah Gwin (Vanessa) of Thida, and Kristen Reed (Daniel) of Vilonia; and nine great-grandchildren: Abigail, Brice, Connor, Liam, Cadence, Trevor, Athea, Karleigh, and Kaycee.

Tuffy lived most of his life in the North Pulaski County area and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1955. He made friends with everyone he met and was well-known throughout central Arkansas. He began his career as a cabinet builder and later worked as a draftsman. After many years of dedicated service, Tuffy retired as a general manager from Guerdon Mobile Home Manufacturing.

He had a lifelong passion for baseball, playing for 32 years in various competitive and semi-professional leagues around central Arkansas. A devoted Cardinals fan, he always enjoyed watching their games whenever he could.

 But much more than that, he loved his family and friends. Whether at the coffee shop spinning yarns, or teaching his grandkids the lessons of life, he always had a story to fit the situation. He was gentle, kind, and loving and could help someone through a difficult situation with his wit and a smile.

Above all else, he was a devout man of faith and was an emeritus deacon of Zion Hill Baptist Church. One of Tuffy’s strongest means of ministering to those around him was meeting life with a smile and a positive word no matter the circumstance. He provided a shining example of how to joyfully live and walk with the Lord, even through the hardest of times and direst pain. He was known for his unwavering faith, dedication to his family, and commitment to his community.

James Edward "Tuffy" Jones, a devoted husband, loving father, gentle and nurturing grandfather, and friend to all, will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church. Interment will immediately follow at Sumner Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been made by Smith Funeral Home of North Little Rock.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.