James "Jim" Crone, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, November 1.

Born on May 7, 1941, in Sardis, Arkansas, Jim spent his life in the community he loved—residing less than a quarter mile from the home where he was born.

Jim was a faithful and loyal member of Sardis United Methodist Church for 82 years, where he served as chairman of nearly every committee and as church treasurer for nine years. He was one of the founding members of Grace Church in East End and also helped organize the new Faith Church in Sardis, where he continued to serve on the leadership committee.

Jim was a 1959 graduate of Sheridan High School, where he served as class vice president and was voted "Best All-Around Classmate." He was proud to help organize yearly class reunions and held a special place in his heart for his classmates. He attended Henderson State University for two years before beginning his career at Reynolds Metals Company in Bauxite.

After his time at Reynolds, Jim earned a diploma in HVACR from Pulaski Technical College, planning to start a heating and air business with his son. Always interested in public service and politics, Jim was elected Justice of the Peace for Saline County in 1987. In 1988, he was elected Saline County Circuit Clerk, where he served faithfully for 12 years before retiring in 2000. Serving his community in this role was one of the great honors of his life, and he built many lifelong friendships through that work.

In 1992, Jim and his wife Kathy built and operated Sardis Mini Storage. In 1998, they expanded by opening a car wash, which quickly became known as "the best car wash in Sardis." Jim retired from the mini storage business in 2022 but continued to operate the car wash. Known for his generosity, he often helped tenants during hard times and hosted many community car wash fundraisers to support local causes.

Jim also served as president of the Civitan Club and as a member of the Civitan Board of Directors in his earlier years. Through Jim's experience as circuit clerk he proudly served with CASA "court appointed special advocates".  He was president of the Sardis Athletic Association for over seven years during the late 1970s and 1980s. In 2023, he proudly threw out the first pitch to open the new season at Sardis Ballpark.  Jim coached and mentored hundreds of young boys at Sardis Ball Park.

Jim's love for agriculture began early—at age 12, he started showing calves at the Saline county fairgrounds. By age 14, he had won the Grand Championship, and he continued to compete and succeed for many years.

Jim is survived by his "favorite" wife, as he lovingly called her, Kathy Houghton Crone. The two met when Jim was visiting a friend at Baptist Hospital, where Kathy was working as a student nurse and Jim became a frequent flyer at the hospital.  They married on May 7, 1965, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Everyone who knew them witnessed the special bond and love they shared.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Alma Ball Crone; his six siblings, Claudia Cole, John Crone, Dean Crone, Faye Moren, Ray Crone, and Robert (Bob) Crone; and his best friend since grade school, Dickie Haynes.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Houghton Crone; sons, David (Lori) Crone and Clark (Annetta Massanelli) Crone; grandchildren, Erica Crone, Kyleigh Crone, Camille Crone, and Blake Crone; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He also leaves behind many special friends whom he considered as sons and family, including members of the Gilmore Hunting Club.

The family would like to thank the first responders in Sardis, the ambulance staff, the Little Rock and North Little Rock St. Vincent ER staff, Dr. Rammos, and the surgical staff for their exceptional and Christ-like care. God truly provided a team that not only offered medical expertise but also spiritual and emotional support throughout this journey.

Services will be led by Pastor Clay Ferrell at Grace Church in East End, 24300 Hwy 167 Hensley, AR 72065 on Thursday, November 6 at 11:00 AM.  Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home, 108 West Narroway Street, Benton AR 72015 Wednesday, November 5 from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. Funeral procession to McPherson Cemetery in Sardis after service.

Pallbearers Eddie Cole, Charlie Crone, Roger Moren, Randy Crone, Duane Moren, Steve Crone, Baeron Warren and Grant Cole.

Honorary pallbearers Terry Parsons, Larry Davis, Judge John Cole, Judge Phillip Shirron, Judge Grisham Phillips, Judge Mike Robinson, Judge Gary Arnold, Judge Robert Garrett, Doug Kidd, Freddy Burton, Delores Hester, Judy Pridgeon and Gilmore Hunting Club.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dennis McCandless.

The family would like to extend an invitation to special guests to share a few words about how Jim influenced their lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Faith Church c/o Karen Guinn, 4582 Shoal Creek Drive, Benton, AR 72019, or via Cash App at $faithchurchsaline.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23