Jimmy D. Jennings Sr., age 89, of Sherwood died peacefully at his home and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. He was born July 18, 1932 in Augusta, Arkansas to Boyce J. and Helen L. Jennings. After graduating from Laura Conner High School, he attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, where he met and married the love of his life, Norma S. Jennings, in 1953.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Norma S. Jennings, his parents and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Noble F. and Flossie M. Strait, of Little Rock, AR. Survivors include a son, Jimmy Jr. (Shelly), a daughter, Susan Bowers (Mike) and a grandson, Eric Bowers (fiancé Molly Kyle), all of Sherwood.
Jimmy was a member of First Baptist Church, Sherwood since 1963. During that time, he served as an ordained deacon, and as chairman of the Building Committee. He was also actively involved with the youth group in the church. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He was employed at Arkansas Sheet Metal from 1955 and became owner/operator in 1979 to present. He was owner/operator from 1957 to present of J-S Stock Farm. He received the 2016 Farm Family of the Year for Pulaski County. He was a past president of the HVAC Association. He was also a member of the Advisory Board for Pulaski County Vo-Tech College of HVAC Department. Jimmy was active in his community, serving on the Sherwood City Council for many years and also as the Police Commissioner. In 2016 He received the Arkansas Diamond Award in honor of the contributions made to the state and all citizens. He was a member of the Pulaski County Mounted Patrol and was co-founder of the Central Arkansas Horse Show Association. He was past president of the Central Arkansas Cattleman’s Association and also a long-time board member. Jimmy served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Arkansas Cattleman’s Foundation from 2007 to 2021. Jimmy and Norma spent over 60 years as members of the UA Razorback Foundation Big Red Club. They never missed a football or basketball game.
His family was his greatest joy. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a kindhearted, loving man that helped anyone he could. He had a work ethic that many will never understand. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, #10 Remington Drive, Little Rock, AR 72204.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 3rd from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home at 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, with the funeral service Thursday, November 4th at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 701 Country Club, Sherwood, AR.
