CHRISTIAN, JAMES CARROLL - White County, Arkansas | JAMES CARROLL CHRISTIAN - Arkansas Gravestone Photos

James Carroll CHRISTIAN

Gum Springs - Searcy Cemetery
White County,
Arkansas

Aug 8, 1933 - Feb 20, 2017

*Obituary

James Carroll ''Jim'' Christian, 83, died February 20, 2017, at Unity Health in Searcy.

Jim was born August 8, 1933, in Fayetteville to the late C.D. and Margaret Christian. He was a member of the Searcy High School graduating class of 1951. Jim married Jamie Neaville of Griffithville, July 5, 1958. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Searcy, where he served as both a Deacon and an Elder. Jim served the Lord doing behind-the-scenes tasks like mowing the church grounds for over 40 years, and his former Pastor Dennis Bennett said, ''he quietly did a jillion little things for a lot of people.''

After graduating from Harding College, Jim coached and taught for 30 years in the Marked Tree, Griffithville, and Searcy Public Schools, and was commonly known as ''Coach Christian.'' He was a member of the Arkansas High School Coaches Association for 30 years. He also was a member of the Arkansas Officials Association and officiated high school football for 42 years. Jim was an avid golfer and played at both River Oaks and Searcy Country Club. He taught junior golf at the Searcy Golf Club and was President of the Tri-County Senior Golf Association for 14 years. Always a sports enthusiast, Jim was active in the White County Razorback Club as well as being a member of the Razorback Alumni Association. Jim faithfully followed and cheered for the Searcy Lions, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jim loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jamie, of the home; four daughters: Neaville Ann Herndon (Charles) of Baltimore, Md.; Mary Margaret Painter (John) of Maryville, Tenn.; Caroline Gairhan (John) of Cabot; and Catherine Williams (Todd) of Jonesboro; eight grandchildren: Christian Williams, Julia Gairhan, Jackson Painter, Adam Williams, J.P. Gairhan, Shelby Herndon, David Painter, and Cal Herndon; and one brother, Don Christian, of Little Rock.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Oakdale Nursing Home in Judsonia for their loving care and kindness. For lasting memories, the family asks that you consider First Presbyterian Church, Searcy or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 25, at 11 a.m. to celebrate Jim's life in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Arch, Searcy. A reception/visitation follows the service in the fellowship hall. There will be a private burial. Arrangements are being made by Roller Daniel Funeral Home, with Reverend Kade Curry officiating. Honorary pallbearers are the Men's Fellowship of the First Presbyterian Church. Active pallbearers are Charles Herndon, John Painter, John Gairhan, and Todd Williams, his sons-in-law.

Photo courtesy of Annette Shaw

Contributed on 11/29/22 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1459718

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Submitted: 11/29/22 • Approved: 11/30/22 • Last Updated: 12/3/22 • R1459718-G0-S3

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