of Paris, AR

November 3, 1946 - October 2, 2022

Jimmy Leslie (Jim) Maddox made his final trip in life on Sunday, October 2, 2022 when he passed away suddenly at his home where he spent his last weekend surrounded by family, including his 7 grandchildren, who had Friday and Saturday sleepovers when they entertained and showered him with love. He suffered from Spinocerebellar Ataxia Degeneration which limited his mobility. He handled it with dignity as he went from using a cane to a walker and then an electric wheelchair.

Jim was born November 3, 1946 in Paris to George and Laura (Redding) Maddox. After his mother died when he was only three months old, his grandparents Doy and Bertie Redding stepped in and became a role model and influential force in his life. He graduated from Paris High School in 1964, attended U of A, Westark (UAFS), Oklahoma Baptist University and Arkansas Tech University. He completed Associate, Bachelor and Masters degrees with emphasis in the medical field including both clinical and administrative.

During college, Jim worked a variety of part-time jobs. He would do anything, but preferred the medical field and he eventually joined St. Edward's in Fort Smith as a lab technician. He recognized the need for training in order to move up in the system, so he completed another degree and then became Director of Nursing Services. The next move was back home to Paris when he was named Chief Administrative Officer of North Logan Mercy Hospital. His next career move was to Regional Administrator of Mercy Fort Smith-Rural Facilities. He served in that position until his retirement in 2009. In all, he spent 34 years at St. Edward/Mercy Medical Center. To quote his mentor, Sr. Judith Marie Keith, RSM, ''He was a good man.''

When asked about his purpose in life, Jim Maddox answered ''my family''. His hobbies were hunting, playing golf and collecting music, but his family was the Number One thing in his life. During the past ten years when his mobility was limited, he grew even closer to family and had a lot of quality time when he enjoyed his grandchildren immensely.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth (Betty Friga) Maddox, who was his high school sweetheart. Also surviving are son, Austin (Sandy) Maddox of Paris; daughters, Leslie Maddox (David Raper) of Paris and Sabra (Maddox) Bearden (Brian) of Little Rock. Grandchildren are Blaine and Liam Maddox, Emma and Ella Raper, Maddie, Sydney and Charlotte Bearden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Laura (Redding) Maddox; his stepmother, Leona Maddox and sister, LaCleta (Maddox) Nolan.

Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 5. Family will be available for visitation following Rosary services.

Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 6. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Seth Anhalt, Eli Sorey, Robert Redding, Gary Halford, Dr. Nathan Bennett, Steve Blackard and Brad Nolan

Honorary pallbearers will be John Warren, Bill Anhalt, Dr. Gatewood Dudley, Mike Friga, Mike Core, Bob Friga and his Mercy family.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School or Church - 15 S. Spruce St., Paris, AR. 72855

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
1700 East Walnut Street
Paris, AR  72855
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com