James Simpkins

James “Jim” Simpkins, 91, of Fort Smith, died March 14, 2016 in Fort Smith. He was born December 11, 1924 in Fort Smith to Johnnie and Alta Bama Spaulding Simpkins. He was a retired buyer for Speer Hardware, a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving aboard the U.S.S. Idaho during WW II in the Pacific, and a member of Spradling Avenue Baptist Church where he served for many years as a deacon.

He is survived by his wife, Rosie of the home; one daughter, Melissa Parker of Fort Smith; daughter in law, Vita Simpkins-Tyra and husband Austin of Fort Smith; five grandchildren, Nicole Taylor and husband Scott, Danielle Scheurer and husband Tim, Ashley Parker, Kristina Simpkins-Spain and wife Christin, and Brandon Parker and wife Jessica; and four great grandchildren, Wade Parker, Zoie Parker, Joshua Taylor, and Aaron Taylor.

He was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Simpkins; son in law, Dr. Doug Parker; and sister, Margaret Fisher. Jim, also affectionately known as Papa, had three main loves in his life: Jesus, his Honey of 73 years and his family. If you had the honor of knowing Jim, than you would know he ran the good race and finished strong simply to hear from his Jesus; “job well done my good and faithful servant.”

Graveside service will be Friday, March 18, 2016 at 1:00 PM in Roselawn Cemetery with Navy Honors all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Mr. Simpkins may be viewed from Noon Wednesday until service time on Friday. Memorials may be made to Spradling Avenue Baptist Church, 3515 Waldron Road, Fort Smith, AR 72904 or the Sebastian County Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Hwy., Fort Smith, AR 72904.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com