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.
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13 Condolence(s)
Sarah Benevides
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
I still look every time I come home or leave the house to see if I should say hello to Wayne. Our neighborhood isn't the same with him gone.
Just a few weeks before he entered the hospital he told me his friend joked with him not to buy green bananas. I guess they knew something I didn't. I recall about a year ago when he was certain he had lung cancer. We talked for a really long time while clearing brush in the Miller's yard. He told me about growing up on a farm, his time in the air force, about his first wife and finding love again after tragedy. I shared my life, I also grew up on a farm in Wisconsin. It's one of those few times where you really see other people as humans with experiences, rather than just superficial passing by. I told him then to not give up on himself, not all lung masses are cancer and God would take him when God wanted. God laughs at our plans. Wayne was a better neighbor than I could have imagined, a father-figure I didn't know I needed. My only regret is that I didn't know him longer, and I never made him that cornbread I promised.
To anyone who reads this- knowing Wayne was a blessing I'm grateful for everyday.
Evan Curtis Hicks
Friday, September 8, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about the recent passing of Mr. Wayne. My grandmother, Sue Curtis, was his neighbor for as long as I can remember. I have so many fond memories of Mr. Wayne. He was always outside with us kids while we played and watched over us. He would help me pick apples from the tree whether it was to eat or throw at my rowdy cousins. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend to my Grandmother and for that I am so grateful.
Beverly Rogers
Saturday, September 2, 2023
So sorry for your loss! Many prayers and thoughts for you and your family!
Beverly Rogers
Saturday, September 2, 2023
My
Debbi Miller Smith
Saturday, September 2, 2023
I grew up across the street, and after my mom and dad moved, he kept an eye on the house. He was a kind guy and will definitely be missed.
Joanie Padgett Ward
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Kathy, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet husband. Praying for God's blessings and grace.
Pamela Burks
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Charlie and John: My sincere sympathy in the loss of your dad. He was my most treasured friend of 40+ years. I worked with him at A.O. Smith for many years. I can still hear him and LA saying “king cowboy†during a competitive checker game. He was a fun, kind and loving man to all that knew him.
Fran Snyder
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Kathy, so sorry to hear of James' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vicky J Graves
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Kathy and family, so very sorry for your loss, You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Plummer
Friday, September 1, 2023
Love and prayers! Sorry for your loss
Andrea & Larry Warner
Friday, September 1, 2023
We are so very sorry for your loss!! Your all in our Thoughts and Prayers!!
Peg and Tom Lyons
Friday, September 1, 2023
Kathy,
Our prayers are with you.
We will miss ‘Uncle’ Wayne. He’s been a staple of my/ our Benton visits forever. So many wonderful memories.
What a wonderful man he was!
Much love,
Peg and Tom Lyons (Joyce’s niece).
L A and Gayle Washam
Friday, September 1, 2023
Wayne and I shared many enjoyable times together and had a lot of conversations during the 25 plus years we worked together. People would tell Wayne what they needed off the computer and he always came up with a program that satisfied their needs. (very smart programmer) He will be missed and what we won't have are the sound of his voice--the active images of his facial expressions--his laughter--his singing (Jesus loves me)--his checker playing--and most of all his generosity extended to help those who needed his help. He was a joy and brought joy to anyone who needed a good laugh.