of Greenbrier, AR

July 15, 1934 - January 7, 2021

Jim Courtney entered heaven Thursday evening, greeted by a chorus of those whom he loved, taught, trained and mentored through 86 years as a husband, father, professor, Sunday School teacher, music director and friend. And hundreds left behind attribute his life's work as having a profound impact on their professional careers and personal character.

James D. (Jim) Courtney, born July 15, 1934 in Wynnewood, OK, died Thursday evening, January 7, 2021. Jim was beside his wife, Ellen, peacefully at home in Greenbrier, AR.

Jim is survived by wife, Ellen Raines (Hornaday) Courtney, (May, 1999); a daughter, Jamie Courtney; a son, Jonathan Brent Courtney; daughters Cynthia (Hornaday) McDermott; Carol (Hornaday) Tennis; Laura (Hornaday) Gray; three sons-in-law, Stephen McDermott, Thad Tennis & Michael Gray; Grandchildren, Ashley (Tennis) & Ryan Barnett; Jessica Tennis; Josh Vanderwall; Derrick & Melissa Vanderwall; Marie Gray; Alex Gray; Nephews & Nieces, James Dean & Sherri Courtney, Stacy (Courtney) & David Jordan, and many more beloved.

Jim is preceded in death by Loreta Ann (Hodges) Courtney, his college sweetheart, married 42 years; Parents: James Alvis Courtney & Maggie Delena (Thomas) Courtney, married 62 years; A brother, Jack & Nancy (Dean) Courtney, and many more beloved.

As a teenager, Jim found his voice-a tenor soloist adept at leading worship. To prepare for his ministry, he trained formally at Jacksonville Baptist College (Texas), where he met Loreta Hodges, married in 1955. And completed his formal education at University of Central Arkansas (Masters of Music Education).

Jim began serving on church staffs as congregational and choral director in Houston, Carthage & Lubbock, Texas. In 1962, he assumed Minister of Music & Education at First Baptist Church, Magnolia, AR, where he directed choirs for all ages and created youth programs, ''The Galileans'' and ''The Lines & Spaces''-replicated throughout the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA).

In 1968, Central Baptist College in Conway, AR, recognized Jim's innovative approaches and offered him the Chairman of the Music Department. It is there his influence on students' lives expanded, teaching music and training future leaders. Each year Jim formed the Central Singers from the talent among the student body. The 10-member group-often accompanied by a full choir-visited churches to support fund-raising and recruiting most weekends and school breaks. Each performance reflected Jim's meticulous preparation, coordination and pursuit of excellence in sound and presentation. As ''dorm dad'' for a time, Jim insisted on cleanliness, safety and (after 10 p.m.), tranquility. Jim was honored in 2019 at a 50-year Central Singers reunion that drew 150 former Singers, who expressed their appreciation for his service, friendship, and wise council.

Jim also served terms as Dean of Students, Director of Life Skills Center, President's Administrative Council, and on Faculty Committees including Activities, Curriculum and Disciplinary.

In 1997, Jim retired from teaching to care for Loreta, who passed later that year. After time, Jim courted and married Ellen (Hornaday) and instantly acquired additional 3 adult children, their spouses and 6 grandchildren, with whom he enjoyed camping, fishing, grilling, and traveling. Until recently, Jim taught a Sunday School class at Springhill Baptist Church, Greenbrier, AR, remembered as always prepared and insightful.

Age produced in Jim a tender heart and tolerance, a desire to travel with family and friends. He maintained his curiosity, humor and appreciation for beautiful sounds and sights.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 13 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation at 1:00 p.m. - Springhill Baptist Church, AR. For those who would like to attend, Safety Protocols will be followed: social distancing and masks.

Live Streaming at springhillbaptistchurch.info.

Interment following at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway, AR.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James D. and Loreta Ann Courtney Scholarship Fund at Central Baptist College.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
115 South Broadview
Greenbrier, AR  72058
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com