of Little Rock, AR
February 4, 1929 - April 6, 2014
James ''Jim'' W. Carman, Jr., 85, of Little Rock, a very special person with a kind and gentle spirit, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2014, due to complex health problems. He was the first son of Dimple and James Wendell Carman, Sr. His passion was to help the lost person who did not know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Jim's perseverance, dependability, integrity, and Christian walk were his admired characteristics throughout life.
Jim is survived by his cherished wife of 62 years, Charlene Bridges Carman. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Carman (Deborah); three nieces: Jan Barker (Scott), Carra Sawyer (Rick), and Donna Turner (Thax); two nephews, Jay Carman (Abby) and Wen Carman. Additional survivors are seven great-nieces and great-nephews; and his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Carman and Carolyn Gill (John). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bobby Carman.
Born in McGehee, Arkansas, Jim was raised in Wynne. He attended Wynne schools, graduating with his treasured 1947 Wynne High School classmates. He received a B.S. Degree in Physics and Chemistry with a Minor in Mathematics and Architectural Drafting in 1952 from Arkansas State Teachers' College (UCA) in Conway. He was Phi Lambda Chi's Fraternity Man of the Year. Jim served in the U. S. Naval Reserve and the U. S. Army Ordnance Reserve.
Jim had a unique young life. From age 1 to 6, his home with his parents was a remodeled Missouri Pacific Railroad car on the railroad tracks moving from town-to-town in Eastern Arkansas with the bridge gang his father supervised. Jim wrote about it in one of his writings and often cited, ''When I was young I used to say that my ambition was Next to play to smoke, to cuss, to jump out of the tool car.'' Jim said he was one of the few men who realized his ambition by far.
Jim's professional career included commercial sales associate for Rector-Phillips-Morse, Little Rock, where he received the Diamond Excellence Award and retired at 84. He was co-owner with his wife of Wonder State Industries, Little Rock, and Wonder State Industries of Texas, Carrolton, Texas. He was also Director of Quality Control and Metallurgical Lab/Heat Treating Departments for Yale & Towne Mfg. Co., Forrest City, Arkansas; Chief of Quality Control and Inspection Department of Victor Metals Products Corp., Newport, Arkansas; and was a chemist at Lone Star Ordnance Plant, Texarkana, Texas.
Jim was president and charter member of the Newport Kiwanis Club. He belonged to the Downtown Little Rock Kiwanis Club, and he was a senior member of the American Society of Quality Control and Little Rock Board of Realtors.
During his 35 years of commitment to Little Rock's Fellowship Bible Church, he was a Community Group Leader, usher, co-founder of the Visitor First Touch Ministry Team, and he served in numerous other areas as called. He was dedicated to Little Rock's Christian Business Men's Connection USA since 1974, serving as Local and State Chairman for 16 years.
Jim's entrepreneurial venture of Carman's Caliente ''Some Like It Hot'' Salsa was loved and devoured by hundreds of family, friends, and clients during the last decade. Regardless of health issues, he was on his feet and determined to fill orders from hundreds of customers.
Jim and Charlene were unable to have children, but they were called Uncle Jim and Aunt Charlene by many young friends. Every day Jim was honored by their love and devotion. This special tribute gave him immense joy.
The family extends their deep gratitude to friends; extended family; Drs. Jack Somers, Larry Mendelsohn, and David Hicks; and to the many medical attendees for the outstanding loyalty to Jim and Charlene. They further wish to express their gratefulness to the exceptional staff of Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their love and tender care in making Jim's last months a happy experience.
A visitation celebration will be held from 4:30 6:30 P.M., Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, Phone: 501-224-8300. Burial will be at the Carman family plot, Cogbill Cemetery, Wynne, Arkansas, at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, April 10, 2014.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christian Business Men's Connection, c/o Doug Lowe, 83 Quercus, Little Rock, AR 72223; Friendly Chapel Church Soup Kitchen, 116 S. Pine, North Little Rock, AR 72114; Fellowship Bible Church Benevolence Fund, 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, AR 72223; or to the charity of your choice.
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23 Condolence(s)
Denni Kay Scates
Sunday, February 20, 2022
I think about our happy days in Little Rock and how much love we had for Jim and Charlene often. For some reason tonight, I thought to google Jim's name and see if I could find them. How sad I was to see the obituary and know that he has been gone so many years. Charlene, Though we have not been back to LR to try to reconnect, I have never forgotten your hospitality and encouragement--and I still make your momma's cornbread dressing every Thanksgiving. You have blessed my life more than I can say! 972-897-7066
David Henderson
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
I worked with Jim several yrs. and could never have been around a nicer person .His love of Jesus left a lasting memory in my life and made me a better person. Sad hear he won"t be with us any longer but look forward to seeing him in a better place.
Maggie & Craig Dicus
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Charlene,
We are thinking about you and reflecting on Jim's sweet spirit. I am remembering him at our family Christmas, greeting everyone and then helping out with the dishes after it was all over. He was a wonderful, kind man and we are so sorry for his passing. Love you sweet lady.
Maggie & Craig
Jackie Geddings
Thursday, April 10, 2014
My sweet, funny & loving Mr Carmen...I remember the first night you arrived at our facility. I knew that night you were going to keep us on our toes & you did. I thank Mrs Charlene for sharing you with me. I thank you for sharing her with me also. The love & devotion I witnessed between the two of you is inspiring. I smile daily when I think of you & Mrs Charlene. You will always be inmy heart & greatly missed!!! PS DDon't worry I won't take up too much of Mrs Charlene's time....I already know I'm disturbing your time!!! Smiling up at ya Mr Carmen with all my love, Jackie
Phyllis Mitchell
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Charlene, prayers for you at this difficult time and beyond. Jim was such a gentle, kind and loving individual.....he will be missed.
Jim Gardner
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Uncle Jim was a role model, dear friend, and mentor. I needed a lot of adult supervision growing up and could not have made it out of college without his help and support. In business and in life, UJ was always kind, mild mannered and humble, always looking for a way to help others. Through his example, I learned what true customer service should be.
Ralph & Katy Cloar
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Pat and Chet Blackmon
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Jim was a special person and we will really miss him.. I always enjoyed talking to him when we were greeters. You will be in our prayers.
Bob & Vicky Cox
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
We are sadden of your passing but joyful of your arrival in the kingdom. We have shared many days and close fellowship during the years and will surely miss your cheerful voice. May the Lord give Charlene and your family peace during this time.
Chris and Carol Denton
Monday, April 7, 2014
Our hearts were touched with tears this hour. To learn of one of the kindest, most friendly, full of faith individuals we've ever met passing from this life into the next, is sad enough. The added fact Jim was family makes it more so. Our lives were touched by this great man. There must be many who would say the same. We will miss you Jim. Our hearts and prayers are with you Charlene. Especially now. We love you. Chris and Carol
James F. Marsh
Monday, April 7, 2014
Jim Carman donned his white robe and crown, and is busy working in heaven. I loved Jim's gentle spirit and care for the souls of the lost. He was a mentor to me and I shall miss his wit and wisdom. Jim Carman stood upon the unfailing Word of God, and of the principles laid out by Jesus Christ.
Jane and Steve Galbo
Monday, April 7, 2014
We will be praying for your family. Just know that Jim will be missed by so many In our family. I will never forget his smile, laughter and positive attitudes. May God fill you with His peace and fill your loss with His presence.
Jim Marsh
Monday, April 7, 2014
Jim Carman, a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, has donned a white robe and golden crown, so well deserved. Jim was a great friend and classic mentor to me. I loved his gentle affect and ready laugh. He was intelligent, caring, and loved by all who knew him. Jim was a devoted husband. I loved too, his concern for the souls of men, and his burden that they find peace that the Holy Spirit offers.
Harold G. Hutson
Monday, April 7, 2014
Jim, such a great guy, always happy, always positive and uplifting. Devoted to his LORD and wife and friends. He did his job as a Christian, husband, friend, and citizen. I am blessed to have known both Jim and Charlene.
Harold G. Hutson M.D.
Carman & George Hilliard
Monday, April 7, 2014
A much loved cousin and a very special guy who lived a long and fruitful life.. It was our blessing to know him. He will most certainly be missed.
Keith & Vicki Stone
Monday, April 7, 2014
Keith and I will so miss Jim and his wonderful smile and sense of humor. We could not have asked for more loving and generous neighbors for the past 17 years.
Vicki Stone
Karen Hanson
Monday, April 7, 2014
I am deeply sorry to hear the news of Jim's passing. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Meryl
Monday, April 7, 2014
"With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”" Rev. 21:3, 4. Job 33:25. "Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor." I'm very sorry for your lose. May God's words seek to comfort you and your family. Sincerely, Meryl
Billie & Terry Duffie
Monday, April 7, 2014
Charlene & Family:
It is with heavy heart that we have learned of Jim's passing. Any time a good and honorable man goes home to be with his Lord, we can be thankful for the life he lived and the hearts he touched. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you continue through this very difficult time.
Love,
Terry & Billie
Dennis & Amy Kurczek
Monday, April 7, 2014
Your family and friends are in our prayers during this time of need.
Bridget Hart
Monday, April 7, 2014
Members of the Wynne Class of 1949 wish to express their thoughts and sympathy to the Carmen family.
Forrest Reynolds
Monday, April 7, 2014
Great neighbor and friend. Charlene you are in my prayers.
Forrest Reynolds
Brownsville,
Texas
Mark Riable
Monday, April 7, 2014
Kathy and I send our sympathies to your family. Jim was always a welcome and friendly face to so many and made a difference in their lives.