of Benton, AR

October 10, 1939 - August 30, 2023

Charles Wayne James, Sr. was born on October 10th, 1939 in Meroney, Arkansas in Lincoln County and passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2023 in Bryant, Arkansas surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Melton James; mother, Helen Elfreda Gould James; his brothers, Don V James and Jerry L James and his wife of 35 years, Greta J Lindgren James. He was also preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Joyce M Glass James; brother-in-law, John O Lindgren Jr. and brother-in-law, Jack Perdue.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Flynt James; sons, Charles Wayne James, Jr. and his wife, Trella of Joplin, Missouri and John James and his wife, Amy of Fayetteville, Arkansas; sister, Mary Alice ''Ann'' Perdue of Little Rock and sister-in-law, Evelyn James of Benton.

He was a proud grandfather to Candice, Sarah, Shane, Chris, Katherine, Abigail and Alexander Charles James; great grandfather to Gavin, Rowin, Camden, Emma, Shay and Charli Sloane James and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful brother-in-law to Kathy's sisters; Linda Stapleton and Gloria King and to Greta's sister; Carmel L Morse.

Wayne grew up in the outskirts of Star City, Arkansas in Crigler, working on the family farm on the banks of the Bayou Bartholomew. After graduating high school early, he entered the Air Force at age 17. After training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas and F. E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he was stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa in 1957. Wayne specialized in communications while serving in the Air Force and proudly served in the Honor Guard.

He was blessed to find true love twice in life, first marrying Greta Lindgren in 1960. While serving at Deep Creek Air Force Station at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, they were married. Greta and Wayne were married for 35 happy years raising their two sons. After brief stints in Little Rock, Arkansas; Sacramento, California; Salem, Illinois; Louisville, Kentucky and Conway, Arkansas, Wayne settled his family in Benton, Arkansas, living right next door to brother, Don and his wife, Joyce's family for over 50 years.

After losing his first love far too early, he married his soulmate, Kathy Flynt in 2003, sharing nearly 20 years together. Wayne and Kathy met while working together at Smith Fiberglass in Little Rock.

Wayne had many hobbies. He was an avid checkers player, playing tens of thousands of games with beloved co-worker L.A. Washam, meticulously recording the outcome of every single game for multiple decades. He continued this hobby online, playing dozens of checkers games each day.

He loved CB and Amateur Radio, going by the handles Doo Daddy and KA5OHP respectively. He spent nearly every Saturday at his brother Jerry's CB Radio Shop and became president of the Saline County Amateur Radio Club, bringing hundreds of new operators (including his sons and nephews) to the hobby.

Wayne's kindness knew no bounds and he considered everyone he met a friend. He readily extended a hand to help, or on occasion, gave some of his very last money to newly acquainted individuals. He took it upon himself to mow the lawns of widows and neighbors, delighting the neighborhood children in the process.

When Wayne James entered a gathering, the atmosphere instantly transformed. His dynamic and larger-than-life personality effortlessly made him the focal point, filling rooms with joyous laughter. His tales, playful pranks and signature 'Waynerisms' have become the stuff of legends. In essence, Wayne James was a truly unique and unforgettable character and his legacy of humor and warmth will be celebrated for generations.

Wayne James wasn't just unique, he was legendary. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, tales of mischief and heartwarming memories that will be cherished for generations.

May his stories and vibrant spirit live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pallbearers will be Alex James, Alan McKinney, John McKinney, Travis Stapleton, Spencer James, Will James, Paul Cook and James Cook.

Honorary pallbearers are his brother-in-law, Charles Collie; best friends, Harvey Brewer and Joey Duvall; his friend and former coworker, L.A. Washam and his Air Force buddies, Jesse Latham, Lewis Lackey and Walt Galvin.

Funeral Service will be held at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home on September 2, 2023 at 2PM with visitation an hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home
6700 Alcoa Road
Benton, AR  72019
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com