James Franklin Easterling

James Franklin Easterling, 75 of Springdale passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at his home. He was born March 15, 1939 in Los Angeles, California to James Frank and Marie Brock Easterling. Jim joined the US Army when he was 19 where he was stationed in Germany as a paratrooper. After serving his tour of duty, he came to Medford, OK where he began lifetime employment with his beloved Southwestern Bell where he served in many capacities, lastly as a manager. Jim's work ethic, intelligence, and great people skills enabled him to get noticed by his managers, paving the way for each promotion. He loved "The Phone Company" and all of the people he met and got to work with there. When he got an early retirement package at 52yrs of age, he received a large surprise party attended by many friends and colleagues who loved and respected him. Jim and Mary's lifelong love story began when she was 16 years old. He pursued her after seeing a picture of her and persuaded a friend to set him up on a date with her. She loved his charisma, charm and good looks and, after dating for several years, they married on August 18, 1962. Mary was in Nursing School in Oklahoma City, OK where she earned her RN degree. They settled down and began their life together. Jim was a wonderful husband, a partner who loved and protected Mary his whole life. She was his rock and he reciprocated. As a wonderful father, he worked hard to support his family, being a daily example of what it meant to live you life with integrity, honesty, and morals. He lived up to his word every time. He was a wonderful friend, always loyal to those in his circle. You never had to worry if he "had your back." They had 4 children, 3 sons and 1 daughter, who they made sure were brought up loving God, valuing hard work, and respecting authority. While there was discipline, there was so much love and fun. Favorite memories include summer vacations, celebrating Holidays (especially Christmas), learning to water ski on Beaver Lake, countless camping trips, big family dinners, donuts after Church on Sunday, and celebrating each others accomplishments. His children had children, and he loved his grandchildren greatly. You couldn't go a visit without hearing about some new accomplishment that one of them had achieved. In true Grandparent-style, every milestone was a miracle! Jim's hobbies were many - fishing, coaching, boating, target shooting, hunting, softball, and watching history documentaries - but his main passion, outside of his family, was golf. Since his retirement, he played daily at the Springdale Country Club where he had many, many really good friends. Friends that he loved and treasured. On the day that he went to Heaven, he played his best game of golf in many weeks with some of his best friends. You could say it was a great day for him. He was loved by many and will be missed. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. Survivors include his wife, Mary Easterling of the home; four children, James “Hank” Easterling and wife Karen of Omaha, Nebraska; Denise Easterling-Bugos and husband Chad of Bentonville, Arkansas; Todd Easterling and wife Marsha, and John A. Easterling of Springdale; fourteen grandchildren, Frank, Max, Branden, Logan, Brendan, Bria, Brooke, Austin, Brock, Carson, Hannah, Madeline, Riley, and Brett and two great grandchildren, Carter and Oliver. Rosary services will be Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. Mass will be Friday, May 2, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.

James Franklin Easterling

March 15, 1939 - April 29, 2014