James Alfred Brettell

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I served in the Navy.
James Alfred BrettellI am a Veteran.

of Maumelle, AR

November 2, 1934 - March 10, 2024

James Alfred ''Dr. Jim'' Brettell, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on March 10, 2024 at the age of eighty-nine. Born on November 2, 1934, Dr. Jim lived a full and vibrant life surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. Jim was a devoted husband to his wife, Janet and a dedicated father to his three children, Lee Ann, Donna Jo (Danny) and Brian (Odette). He was a proud grandfather to Jared (Anne), Blaine (Shelly), Hayden and Lexus, and a loving great-grandfather to Bella, Kinley, Wynne and Emmett.

Dr. Jim dedicated his life to his ministry and touched the lives of many with his faith and teachings. He was a pillar of strength and guidance to his family and community, always leading by example and spreading unconditional love and kindness wherever he went.

Dr. Jim will be deeply missed by all who know him, but his memory and legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of those he touched and loved. He is in peace knowing he made a lasting impact on the world around him.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Dr. Jim was known for his kind heart, fierce spirit and unwavering love for God, his family and country. He will be forever remembered and cherished by his family and friends.

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49 Condolence(s)
Jeremy Tennant
Conway, AR
Liked
Sunday, June 2, 2024

Dr. Jim was a regular of mine at Izzy’s in West Little Rock. We became fast friends and I looked forward to receiving his lessons/sermons on Facebook and his Emails. I only saw him once every couple of weeks but it was always a hilarious and fun time even though I was at work. I hope he knew the impact he had on even a few servers up as Izzy’s. He will be missed but know that I will see him again one day. Rest easy my friend.
-Jeremy Tennant

Allen and Marybeth Curtis
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Dr. Bretell was indeed a teacher of Truth. My husband and I attended Bible Doctrine Church, in Little Rock, under his ministry. What a blessing to learn the Word of God from such a powerful proclaimer of His Word! Our thoughts and prayers for Janet and Dr. Bretell's family.

Scott Perry
Clinton, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 6, 2024

I accepted Jesus as my Savior sitting in the Bible Doctrine Church of Little Rock listening to Dr. Jim teach! He always started For the word of God is alive and powerful!
He was an incredible influence in my life!
Philippians 4:6-7

Shandria White Johnson(Frenchie’s daughter)
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 26, 2024

He will truly be missed. He was my very first pastor aside from my dad, and I enjoyed sitting and listening to his teachings. May God continue to be with the family.

Marilyn Anglin
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 21, 2024

We were searching for "The Truth" when Dr. Vaught retired in the early 80's. We found Dr. Jim and soaked up his teaching for years! He was a caring man and studied countless hours. I remember Dr. Jim had his books seemed like at least twenty whenever he travelled.

We had wonderful times, especially on his 80th birthday. Jim and Janet were a team and Janet was a strong half of a great team.

Thank you for years of dedication to teaching your sheep. I'm certain you have heard the words "Thy good and faithful servant" the second you saw Jesus.

Jim and my prayers are with Janet and the entire family.

Al Rosenblum
Moody, AL
Liked
Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Jim and I, along with Steve Ellis spent several hundred hours teaching together, fleshing out the mechanics of the Christian life after salvation. We spent many other hours hashing it out behind the scenes. His concern was always the Lord first, his family and those who looked to him for spiritual guidance, in that order. He was a man of impeccable manners, he loved structure, discipline and puctuality. His bible class started on time and ended on time and his on the till was a great influence on me. He told me years ago that the church was going to the internet and boy was he right. Jim made himself a good friend and mentor to me and I am most grateful for him. We all thought he would outlive us all and be teaching doctrine at 100. We will all be with him soon.

Todd and Toni Smyly
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 20, 2024

We always enjoyed our conversations with Jim and Janet on their weekly visits to Beef O Brady’s. He will be missed! Prayers for the family.

Joey Simmons
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Dr. Jim. You will be missed.
Now Rest in Him.

Gary Manion
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Monday, March 18, 2024

It was a blessing from God that we moved in across the street from Dr. Jim 13+ years ago. The many hours we spent in his driveway or on the street are precious memories of this great man. I imagine God just couldn't wait any longer to welcome Jim with a booming "Well done, Good and Faithful Servant."

Dorothy Brown
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, March 18, 2024

My family was from Oregon, but my youngest sister & her family had left the mission field in Mexico & moved up to Little Rock. Though I never met Dr. Jim, I still remember my mother taking a trip to Little Rock to visit my sister. When she returned, all she talked about was “Dr. Jim” & how relieved she was knowing her daughter was getting great Bible teaching. Now my Mom & Dr. Jim are able to have those wonderful BD talks together!

Pete and Janice Sanders
Waxahachie, TX
Liked
Monday, March 18, 2024

We were so blessed to meet Dr Jim and attend his Bible classes many years ago when we were stationed on Oahu and he would come do Bible classes at Joy Kamakawiwoole’s house. We’re so happy for him that he’s in the presence of the Lord and we’re praying for comfort for his loved ones.

Jurdon Perry (Bud)
Russellville, AR
Liked
Monday, March 18, 2024

Jim and I exchanged telephone calls on our birthdays the last few years. He had my total respect and admiration. Much love to Janet and family. RIP my dear friend.

Cheryl Steele
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 17, 2024

My heart and prayers go out to the Brettell Family. We are all One Day Closer to Heaven and being with our loved ones again. Love you all!
Dr. Jim was a bigger than life person. He touched many lives and I believe led many to the Lord.
It seems so strange to hear he is no longer on Earth with us, but comforting he is with The Lord.
I will never forget Bible Doctrine Church of Little Rock and Dr. Jim's teaching.
He taught the truth of God's Word and was one of 4 pastor's that gave me my basics of God's Word, to help me lay a foundation, and know my Savior Jesus Christ. One Day Closer!

Theophilus White Jr. (Frenchie)
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 17, 2024

Thank You for all of the doctrine that I learned under your ministry

Joseph Hurley
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY
Liked
Sunday, March 17, 2024

Please accept my deepest regards for Dr. Jim Brettell. Though I never met him in person being I live another state, we became friends. He instructed me to call him Jim and not Dr. Jim as he said we are friends. Though I have only followed his ministry for 5 ½ years he became an important part of my life every Wednesday night and Sunday morning. I looked forward to each Bible-study week after week sitting under Jim as he would teach from the word of God. Jim would tell me from time to time if he ever got up my way he wanted to meet me, but if not we would see each other again in heaven. Well, my friend we certainly will and I look forward to that approaching day. So to Janet his wife and son Brian and daughters LeeAnn and Donna my condolences to each of you as I’m thankful to God that Jim Brettell has been an important chapter in blessing my life.

Luke Varnell
Floral, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 17, 2024

I first "met" Dr. Jim on the radio while driving to work every morning. I had been praying for answers to why I was unable to overcome sin in my life and live the Christian way of life that I knew I should be living. Within days I found Dr. Jim on the radio teaching the truth as I had never heard it. Modern Christianity had left holes and voids in my understanding but God through Dr. Jim filled them in. Thank you Lord for an amazing and inspiring Bible teacher that was faithful until the end! Thankfully he continues to live on through the recordings and videos he made available on the internet.

Darryl Anderson
San Agustin, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental,,
Liked
Sunday, March 17, 2024

I met Dr. Jim in 1989 in Mililani, Hawaii. He had stopped to visit our friend Joy as he was returning from a mission trip to the Phillipines. God gave me my natural father for 25 years. Dr. Jim has been my spiritual father for 35 years. I grew up in a denominational church believing I was saved, but God kept me alive until I could actually get saved in 1988 , the year I turned 42. Within a few months God brought Dr. Jim into my life and the story of my life as a Christian began. Dr. Jim, Janet, Lee Ann, Donna Jo and Brian have been a God-given 2nd family to me since that time. My wife, Nita, met Dr. Jim during his first mission trip to the Philippines in 1985. I met Nita on my second trip with Dr. Jim in 1993. Nita and I became husband and wife in 1999. Dr. Jim and Janet have been Tatay (Papa) and Nanay (Mama) to Nita since that time. We look forward to our reunion with him one day.

Angela (Campbell) Block
Bauxite, AR
Liked
Friday, March 15, 2024

I will be forever grateful to Dr. Jim and the education that he provided me with at John T. Goad. It is because of that education I'm able to homeschool my daughter. Thank you Dr. Jim. My sincere condolences to the family.

sharron russell
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Friday, March 15, 2024

I learned so much from Jim. He was a great Bible scholar and teacher. The depth of his teaching was like nothing I have experienced before or after moving away. He enriched everyone he touched.

Bill Donnelly
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 14, 2024

What I always carry with me about Dear Jim is his love for our Lord and his love for people, and his energy. I came to a personal relationship with My Lord under Jim's ministry in 1988. Thank you Jim. I'm sorry for the loss to his family, one day you will see him again as you've never seen him before in the radiance of Christ our Lord.

Sandra Malone
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 14, 2024

I will miss Dr. Jim and his wonderful doctrinal truths of God’s Word. He was an example of Christian living, and he was filled with kindness and love for all he knew. He will be missed by all who knew him. I am thankful he is in the arms of Jesus.

Kim and Mark Gillespie
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 14, 2024

Dear Brettell Family,

We were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Dr. Jim, but we are so grateful for the love, guidance, and inspiration he shared with us over the years as our pastor-teacher at the Bible Doctrine Church of Little Rock. He gave us a foundation of Bible doctrine of principles and values rooted in faith that we will carry for the rest of our lives. Our daughters attended the John T. Goad Christian School and Dr. Jim had such an impact on our entire family during those years. He was such an inspiration to everyone he met with his faith, hope, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. He was one of a kind! Our prayers are with Janet, LeAnn, Brian and Donna.

Love Kim and Mark Gillespie

Marilyn Thornhill
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 14, 2024

We who are still here on this earth facing the angelic conflict, have been beautifully prepared by and through the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ by Our beloved friend Dr. Jim Brettell. Thank you.

Cynthia Czarnecki
East Brunswick, NJ
Liked
Thursday, March 14, 2024

I have only known Dr. Jim for a short time but he has profoundly influenced and changed my life. My heart aches to know I will not be able to continue to watch his weekly teachings on You Tube but I rejoice that he is in heaven with Jesus after being such a good and faithful servant. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and all my brothers and sisters in Christ who will miss him so much.

Elizabeth Donnelly
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 14, 2024

Jim brought me back to Christ. He loved the Lord with all his heart and soul. A wonderful, intelligent and kind person. My son and husband accepted Christ in Jim's church. My family has been blessed, through Christ.

katharine kennedy
THE WOODLANDS, TX
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Dr Jim was the epitome of how to live the spiritual like in its every facet. He instilled in me "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me" and we choose to sin so don't give in but reject its very thought patterns. He answered every text or call and was one on one with me at my beckoned call as God is .
He confirmed the thing I knew before the Col. was introduced into my life in 1989 Rom 6:6, 6:11 and 6:13 and how it is the only way to "swim under the water and not come up for air."
It is amazing as he is constantly still in my thinking as I think will always be because I spent hours a day transcribing his ever word since 2013. as was not sure when he was promoted wha twould happen to him on You tube.

Sandra Malone
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

I will miss Dr. Jim and his wonderful doctrinal truths of God’s Word. He was an example of Christian living, and he was filled with kindness and love for all he knew. He will be missed by all who knew him. I am thankful he is in the arms of Jesus.

Wilma Bonds
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

I can’t begin to tell you how much Dr. Jim’s teaching has meant to our family. His genuine care for everyone was evident in his life. Heaven has gained a gem and we look forward to uniting with him in the presence of Jesus one day. We will truly miss him for now. God bless the Brettell family.

Karen Torrence
beebe, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

I don't know how to express how much Dr. Jim meant to me. His ministry was an inspiration to so many people. It has benefited me greatly. I am going to miss him, but he has always told me to "keep on keeping on," which I intend to do.

ALEXANDER AYOP
Madang,
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Brettell's Family,

Thank God for Dr. James' life. It was God's plan that we met way back 1993-1995. He has been a part in the journey of my Christian Life as well as to the ministry as Filipino missionary to Papua New Guinea. He is my great mentor.

Linda Benton
Judsonia, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Dr. Jim’s teaching has been a major influence in my life. He has gone to his heavenly home, where he wanted us all to be. Condolences to. Ms Janet, and the family my heart hurts with you.

Linda Benton

Danilo Yahya
Davao del Sur,
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Sir Jim Brettell is the man that God used in my life in 1998 under his ministry which is the vision mindanao through this ministry I heard the right division of the truth and I understood salvation at that time and I was saved. what I am today is because of his grace he uses people and one of them is Sir Jim Brettell You are now in the mighty hand of our living God, you have finished the good fight and you have been prepared for the crown of righteousness, congratulations,I will miss to say you are now we are the next,to see each other in the future.

Ronaldo Yuba
Davao, AL
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

My Spiritual mentor thank you for teaching us see soon in heaven we love you.

Michele Evans
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Missing my Shepherd..praying for family.

Fred williams
Little rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Dr. Jim was an awesome teacher and man. If it wasn’t for me and my family going to John T Goad who knows where we would have ended up. The lessons he taught us apply to life now and I am so thankful that he was apart of my life.

Troy & Kotty Braswell
Conway, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Brettell will be a part of us for ever. His truth made life changing differences in our lives! We look forward to spending our forever time with him and his sweet family.

Peggy Frost
Benton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Heaven is even better today with Dr. Jim there. He is well and Happy with Jesus and family waiting for him. May Gods peace be with each of you in the days ahead. Praying for you.

David May
LR, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when meeting Dr Jim in 1972 at age 19. He gave me a job at South Highland Baptist church as a custodian after I was laid off. He taught me how to mop halls since he was a Navy guy. My brother and I followed him from there to a restaurant to our first church then to the one we built. So much teaching flowed from him for so many decades. So glad technology is here to preserve many of those teachings. He left many hearts with holes in them. But he left more love. See you one day sir. I pray the family enjoy all those memories until your reunion. Love ya’ll.

Jacquese Starling
Nashville, TN
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Thank you for teaching the toughest lessons with the most unconditional and genuine love. Every trial I've faced since the third grade, I could not have overcome without referring back to every word you've shared with us at John T Goad, my personal favorite being "life will eat your lunch"!

You used to make us laugh the most with your shoulder shimmy dance. I pray you are using that dance in Heaven.

I love you Dr.Jim

Christi Sullivan
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Prayers for comfort to the family!! I hadn't Dr. Jim in many years, but he touched my life in many ways.

Chad Fite
Bauxite, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

I know he heard these words “well done my faithful servant “. He made a huge impact in my life and others. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.

Jared Fite
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

I hadn't seen Dr. Jim since I was child at John T. Goad. Recently, he had always been an encouragement on social media to me as a young man in pastoral ministry. Though I wasn't saved until the age of 20, I would like to think that perhaps he had a small part to play in God's calling on my life as a Pastor. Prayers for the family.

Gary Googe
Denton, TX
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

He was truly a wonderful Christian gentleman and will be missed by many. It was a blessing to know him for many years.

Jim Abshure
Belleville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Jim was indeed a turning point in my life, to say the least. Words would fail to express the gratitude I will always have for him and his influence. A life well lived, an unwavering commitment to the Lord, and a widespread influence to those in his periphery. He was more than a pastor, more than a friend.

Marion & Charles Stevens
Springdale, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

To the Brettell family,
It was truly our pleasure knowing and learning from your dad. He is an inspiration on so many levels. Though he will be missed by so many, his legacy remains in our hearts. Love to you all!

Melissa May
SUMTER, SC
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Prayers of Comfort for Janet, Lee Ann, Donna, Brian & all of their families and the Spiritual Family!

Dale May
Mendenhall, MS
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

My Spiritual father here on earth. Thank you for your example.

Mark Goad
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

There are not enough words to express what Dr. Jimmeant to me. A friend, mentor, and example of the Christian life. He always told me keep on keeping on.
He is now kept in the arms of the Savior. See you on the other side sir.

Robert Grohnke
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Monday, March 11, 2024

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.