James H. “Jim” Nettles, 84, of Little Rock, passed from this life on August 18, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. He was born February 21, 1939, in Monette. Jim is preceded in death by his father, Roy Nettles; mother, Mary (Fleetwood) Nettles Goins; sister, Norma McElroy of Jonesboro; and brother, Bill Nettles of Memphis, TN.
Jim is survived by his wife of 22 years, Shirley, and son, James F. “Jeff” Nettles of Little Rock; cousin, Rick Fleetwood of Little Rock; nephew, Doug Harper and wife Jody and their daughter Aubree; niece Donna Barnes of Jonesboro; and a host of relatives and friends.
Jim had a special bond with his son as referenced by his son’s father’s day greeting:
[My dad grew up in a shotgun house located in a small town…My understanding is he spent man an exhausting day in the fields picking cotton, a necessity for the Nettles family to endure.
My name is Jeff and I am my father’s only child. I grew up in a four bedroom house with a large fenced in backyard, a basketball court, patio big barbeque grill, etc. In a renowned neighborhood known as Pleasant Valley located in West Little Rock. The only cotton I had to pick was labeled Ralph Lauren. He once told me “I want you to have everything I never had.” As a child I probably interpreted that as tangible possessions…and certainly if you could ride it, wear it, drive it, throw it, shoot it, play it or spend it…I Had It. As I matured I was able to appreciate the depth of his statement. Dad put me in a position to walk through a variety of doors in life, representing endless opportunities…endless…as in my love, respect and admiration for my dad.
Happy Father’s day Dad – Once your pride and Joy –
Your son always – Jeff]
Jim went to Monette High School, Lyons College and Has a B.S. Degree.
Jim touched many lives as an educator, journalist, financial adviser, and gave of his time, talent, and treasure to countless civic organizations.
Celebration of life will be 11:00 AM Saturday August 26, 2023, at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy 5, Alexander, AR 72202. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Jim’s memory to be made to Wolfe Street Foundation, PO Box 3708, Little Rock, AR 72203.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Nettles family.
