of Little Rock, AR
February 26, 1938 - July 14, 2014
James George ''Jim'' Siganos 76, died Monday, July 14, 2014 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Jim was born February 26, 1938 in New York City, NY to Greek Immigrant Parents George James Siganos and Fotini Siganos of Samos, Greece who became proud American citizens.
He was hospitalized for a sudden attack of viral encephalitis on the afternoon of Saturday, June 28, 2014. Jim was an avid golfer and played his last 18 holes with friends on Friday, June 27, 2014.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years Carla Antonia Siganos, sister, Matia Vamvounakis, of Land O Lakes, FL, five daughters, Stephanie Anderson, Sandie Six, Christie Siganos, of Van Buren, AR, Shelia Beene, of Mt. Vernon, AR and Lydia deSambourg, of Hot Springs, AR, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.
Jim graduated from college with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and held a Professional Engineering (PE) License in Arkansas and Louisiana. He worked for CON ED in New York City, City Services Oil in West Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Civil Engineering Companies in Fort Smith and Little Rock, AR, Lockeed Martin at NASA in New Orleans, LA, and his last job was for the Arkansas Dept. of Environmental Quality in Little Rock. He retired in 2008 at the age of 70.
Jim served in the US Army at Fort Chaffee, Fort Smith, AR and was a member of the American Legion in Hot Springs Village. He was a golf marshall in the village for 14 years at Desoto and Issabella golf courses.
Jim served as usher, reader, choir member, alter assistant and Festival Worker at Zoodoches Peghee Greek Orthodox Church in Hot Springs, AR, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, FL and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Little Rock, AR. He was also a member of AHEPA (American/Hellenic Society) in Arkansas and Florida.
In addition to Golf, in his youth Jim played NYC League baseball and he loved sports. His favorite teams were the Arkansas Razorbacks, LSU Tigers, NY Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints.
Jim and his wife Carla spent 8 years in New Orleans and Slidell, LA living on the golf course and enjoying Cajun festivals, Saints Games and Gulf Coast beaches. Then 9 years in Mayflower, AR in their log home on a farm enjoying a menagerie of farm animals and fostering for C.A.R.E For Animals. In 2000 they bought a home in ''golf heaven'' Hot Springs Village, AR where they have lived for 14 years, wintering in Florida since 2008.
Jim was a wonderful Christian, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, golf buddy, friend and straight-man. His laugh was contagious. He could not tell a lie or keep a secret and was quick to say ''I'm sorry''. He was an excellent dance partner and his hugs were unforgettable.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2014 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Napa Valley, with burial to follow at 1:30 p.m., in Mayflower, AR. Visitation will be from 6:30- 8:30 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR (501) 224-8300. Pallbearer will be Tony Anderson, Mark Beene, Chuck deSambourg, Anthony Anderson, Ethan Six, Matt Beene, Honorary pallbearers Mark Bernard, Josh Hanley, Michale Huelsenbeck, Clay Blake.
Carla & family shocked and sad to hear you've lost Jim. He was a good friend to the Animal Welfare League in HSV. We could always count on both of you to "foster" our needy critters. Mary McCullough Hot Springs Village AWL
One of the nicest men I've ever known, like a brother to everyone, always smiling, laughing, and a great loss to all. Playing with him on his last golf outing was a treat, Jimmy as always, not far but in play. Will be missed for ever. Kay and Ken
Jim was always upbeat and spread happiness wherever he was. He was one of the ADEQ people I will never forget. Heaven is a happier place with him there!
Jim, you'll be missed and I'll miss playing golf with you and our Buddy Nick-Nick. I also enjoyed working with you until you retired. Prayers go out to you and your family. GOD BLESS! R.I.P.
Carla & Family: So sorry for such a great loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was such a wonderful man. I worked with him at ADEQ for several years and always enjoyed wonderful conversations with him. As all have said, he was certainly one that kept you in stitches and the hugs were always a treat...He will be so very missed but forever in our hearts...
Jim was such a friendly, good hearted, and exuberant man. I so loved talking and laughing with him at work and even after he retired during his visits to ADEQ. Carla you and your beautiful family are in you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was so proud of all of you!
I am so heartbroken to hear this. Jim was a bright spot in working at ADEQ. He was so funny, his smile infectious, and the hugs made you feel good all over...no matter how bad your day was going. The world needs more people like Jim. He came to see us some even after he retired. I am truly blessed to have been able to call him my friend as well as my co-worker. I wish I would have known sooner so I could attend the funeral. Please know I'm there in spirit and my thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest heart felt sympathy is with Jim's family. Knowing Jim for many years at ADEQ, he talked me into organizing our company's annual golf tournament. Even after Jim retired he continued to come play with us, and times he could not make it, he and his wife would come later in the day to visit and eat with us after the tournaments. My heart is so sad at this time he will be missed so very much. We all loved and cared very much for him at ADEQ, even after his retirement. God Bless his family and friends.
Dearest Carla,
It was with great sorrow and regret to learn of Jim's loss. We offer our deepest condolences to you, and offer to help you in any way we can.
Please remember we care.
May God give you the strength to bear your loss, may his Jim's memory be eternal.
Richard (Rick) & Kathie Whitworth
San Angelo, TX
Our family is so saddened with Jim's passing. He was a blessing to all who were fortunate to be around him. Love emanated from him in a way that always uplifted and encouraged everyone. We were inspired by his humble and unwavering service to God and his church. May his memory be eternal!
Carla & Matia,
I was saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great friend, I always enjoyed talking to him and listening to his stories. He will be missed! I will be praying for God to comfort you during this time.
Maryann
Great pic of Jim's wonderful smile and laugh!! A man with a zeal for life who could light up a room with his personality! I will miss him. May God bless and comfort Carla and family. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Aunt Carla: What a beautiful obituary for a wonderful man with a beautiful soul. His laugh WAS contagious, and his hugs WERE unforgettable...not to mention those brilliant eyes that were always sparkling, full of mischief and fun. We will all miss him so much, and we will never forget how special he was. We are thinking of you and praying for you continuously. Love, RoxeAnn
Carla and Family: We are saddened to hear of Jim's pasting. He enjoyed our Super Bowl party at Bayshore Park. He and Chris came over. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. In life, In death We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Bette Ashley & Cathy Phillips
There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss... may prayers and friends carry you through these difficult times.
May his memory be eternal !