James "Jimmy" Moxley Powell Jr.

James (Jimmy) Moxley Powell, Jr. entered the gates of heaven making a joyful noise unto the Lord on March 31, 2026.  Jimmy was born to Sally McKelvey Powell and James Moxley Powell, Sr. on July 7,1960 in Little Rock, AR.

In 2006, Jimmy married his soul mate, Jacklyn, and in 2010 they welcomed their precious son, Moxley.

Whether through quiet acts of kindness or steadfast encouragement, Jimmy reminded us daily of the power of God’s grace.  He loved the church and loved sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all whom he encountered.

Jimmy’s distinguished career was also servant based. He was the Chief Deputy Assessor for Pulaski County. He also served as Director of Maintenance Appraisal and the Director of Exemptions. He was a Level 4 State Certified Appraiser, a Certified Public Manager, and past President of the International Association of Assessing Officers in Arkansas. He loved the taxpayers and worked every day to make sure they were treated with respect by anyone they met in the Assessor’s Office. He gave 26 years of service to the people of Pulaski County.

Jimmy also lived, breathed, and loved music.  He joined forces with Barry Poynter on a recording contract at Grady Trimble Studios in the early years, and a lifelong collaboration was born.

Jimmy played with many local and regional bands over the years. Beloved band, Fifth Cliff, enjoyed much regional success touring the South and Midwest. He played with locally famous bands, such as The Franklin-Devlin Band and The Big Nap. He was part of the house band at Rum Boogie in Memphis, he played the Mississippi Blues Club, and was instrumental in the conception of the Peep Show at Vino’s.

Over the years Jimmy was privileged to perform with such greats as Chuck Berry, Dale Hawkins, and Billy Lee Riley. His career also included producing a record for Chess Records recording artist Doc Tomato, and writing music for HBO, Cinemax, and FX, collaborated on and recorded at Poynter Recording Studio.

He would play with anyone anywhere, and he never stopped loving and growing and evolving in his craft.  When he began playing and singing in church 26 years ago … a new light (the light of Christ) came into his writing, singing, and playing.

He is survived by his loving wife Jacklyn and son Moxley. His siblings include Dr. John Whitmore Robben (Catherine), Mary Kathryn DiGiacomo (Jason), Buck Powell, and Beth Powell. He adored his nieces and nephews, Gracie Nitz (Blake), Carli Walker, Michael DiGiacomo, Emma DiGiacomo, John Frederick Robben, George Robben. Additionally, he is survived by family members Gary Green, Frank Grobmyer, and his devoted friends Scott Finney and Kim Roberts, their children Zach and Aubrey, and by many, many others who were friends that became family.

He was predeceased by both parents, his in-laws John Robben and Dana Green, as well as Will Robben and Kim Huff.

Services will be on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by service at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Mr. Mac’s Learning & Arts Center, (Cash App: $maccenter23; Venmo: @maccenter); Liberty Fellowship Church - The Teaching Church (1806 W. 36th, NLR, AR 72118); Lakewood United Methodist, youth ministries, (1922 Topf Road, NLR, AR 72116); or the charity of your choice.

Though Jimmy is no longer with us, his compassion, humor, and spirit will continue to inspire everyone he ever met and every life he ever touched.

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