of Benton, AR
August 20, 1930 - August 12, 2021
James "Jim" Freeman Shuffield, 90, of Benton, Arkansas was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 12th, 2021, at his home surrounded by family and friends. James never met a stranger, so we are sure that he is shaking hands and getting to know all those that made it there before him. Born to William "Uncle Billy" and Hattie Shuffield on August 20, 1930, in Bismarck, Arkansas as the baby of five older brothers, two half-brothers, and half-sister: Connie Lester, Gilford Remus, Fred Neron, Roy Odis, and Russel Dayton (Mama Shuffield had a knack for interesting names), Edgar, Arthur, and Addie, who all preceded him in death, he had a large welcoming committee and sweet reunion waiting for his arrival.
Growing up in the depression era, James learned the value of hard work from Papa Shuffield working on the farm as well as starting his illustrious sales career in seed and Grit newspaper as a young boy. That work ethic served him well the rest of his life. James was a jack-of-all-trades and wore many hats during his 90 years - son, husband, father, Baba, schoolteacher - Bismarck, New DeRoche, Southwest Junior High, entrepreneur and owner of United Supply Company selling Vollrath cookware and owning and managing rental properties, youth and church slow-pitch softball coach, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and faithful member at Unity Missionary Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church, and Oak Park Baptist Church. In his last few years when asked what he was up to he would always quip, "My full-time job these days is holding down this lounge chair." And he never found a recliner that he couldn't nap in.
James loved softball and served as the Junior Olympic ASA Commissioner coordinating tournaments all over Arkansas. He was loved and respected in the softball community culminating in his induction into the ASA Hall of Fame in 2008.
Baba was mostly an open book, a man that says what he means and means what he says, but he was not without a few secrets that he has now taken to the grave: the enigmatic "Barrel of Sweetness" and "Hefo Cosmolis", or is it "Hepho Kosmolis"? I guess we will never know...We will be pondering these deep mysteries for the rest of our days.
James loved his Lord faithfully, his wife passionately, his family immensely. The impact he has had on all those he came into contact with will only be measured in light of eternity. He would never take credit for his legacy but would always say, It was by God's grace. To Him be the glory!
James is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Kathryn Shuffield; his children Beverly Brown (Dan), Valerie Little (Mark), and Doug Shuffield (Shawn); Baba to his grandchildren Jeremy Brown (Ashley), Stephan Brown (Rachel), Joel, Sarah, and Aaron Little, Meagan, Molly, and Joshua Shuffield; his great-grandchildren Carson, William, and Gracie Brown, Kinley and Lexi Brown.
Visitation will start at 9:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 21st, 2021, at Geyer Spring First Baptist Church, 12400 Interstate 30 in Little Rock with pastor Gary Neal and Dr. Clif Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Forrest Hills Cemetery on Highway 5. Memorials may be made in his honor at Lifeword Ministries, 611 Locust Street, Conway, AR. 72034. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond
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16 Condolence(s)
Sandy Lambright
Saturday, August 21, 2021
So sorry. I am blessed to have known him
Praying for you Nrs Kathryn
Michelle Christensen
Saturday, August 21, 2021
I knew James Shuffield as Uncle James and he was always very special to me. He reminded me of my "Papa" and that contributed to the special place he held in my heart. I pray the family receives peace and comfort through Jesus during this time of loss. I am so thankful to know he is in heaven celebrating a life well lived as a servant of Christ.
Bobby & Betty Tinkle
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Sorry to hear of your lost. Are thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. James was a godly man and a great witness for god. He is standing now in god’s present.
Bobby & Betty Tinkle
Brigette Johnson Dunn
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Sending my deepest sympathy.
Phillip Newby
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Praying for the family.
Gene and Faye Shuffield
Thursday, August 19, 2021
James was a amazing followers of Jesus. My family loved him very much. We loved to hear story of him growing up.â¤ï¸
Lem Dreher
Thursday, August 19, 2021
James was a great man of God, a deacon, and a friend of mine
Ellen Johnson
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Possibly the best event planner ever. When James took Temple’s group to the annual BMA Senior Adult Conference, every detail was planned and executed perfectly. Bus ready, driver on board, drinks cooling and lunch stop known in advance. Lodging secured and every meal planned, seating reserved. He never appeared rushed or tired. Wesley Sunday School Class was his class and he began each session with a report on those members who couldn’t attend due to illness or other troubles. James and Kathryn were among the first to welcome us to Temple and we loved and appreciated them both. Prayers now for Kathryn and their entire family.
Faye England
Thursday, August 19, 2021
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Joe and Bonnie Magness
Thursday, August 19, 2021
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Scott Grable
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Saddened to hear of your loss but thanking God for his life well lived. Reading the obit brings back many fond memories of church and softball activities. Praying for God’s comfort for the family at this time.
Sharon (Husband Larry) Sweeney
Thursday, August 19, 2021
James Shuffield was a dear and special Uncle to me and my family. He loved my Dad Fred therefore loving me as well. Living far away, every time I called he would always ask "when are you coming to see us" I am so thankful that last November we were able to make a visit to see him and his family.
I will always have wonderful memories related to Uncle James and his family. His faithfulness to his Heavenly Father was always forefront in his life. He was an example to me and so many others.
Aunt Kathryn and family - we are lifting you up in prayers for God's comfort and peace as you adjust to this loss.
Mark Johnson
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Continued prayers for the family of this great, Godly man.
Mitch Kawahara
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Dear family members of Brother James F. Shuffield
My heart was saddened when I heard Brother James went to be with the Lord because he was one of the five persons meeting me at the bus station in Little Rock, Arkansas when I arrived all the way from Japan to enroll the Missionary Baptist Seminary in September of 1966. Since that time until the day of his passing, he was my close friend and prayer supporter even though we were living far away from each other.
I thank God for saving his soul and using his life for His services all these years. May God continue blessing you all from Yokohama, Japan !
Julian Dominquez
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Bro Shuffield stood as an example to many that hard work never hurt anybody and that a steadfast faith to God was the only path to true success.
Chaplain Beverly White
Monday, August 16, 2021
Thank you for allowing me to be your Chaplain. Mr. Shuffield was a precious man with an equally precious family â¤. Praying for you