James (Jimmy) Edward Draper, Sr., 82, of Benton, Arkansas was welcomed through Heaven's pearly gates on the morning of August 11, 2025.  He was born on June 15, 1943 in Malvern, Arkansas, a son of the late William (Bill) Winsted Draper and Josephine Evelyn Shelby Draper.  Jimmy graduated from Bauxite High School and attended Arkansas A & M (University of Arkansas) at Monticello.  He graduated with a Master of Theology degree from the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Jimmy served as the pastor of Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas for 36 years until his retirement. He carried a shirt pocket full of religious tracts everywhere he went, ready to catch the ear of anyone willing to listen to the Roman Road to salvation or the security of the believer— his absolute favorite topics—followed closely by less divine subjects as an inquiry to the nearest fishing hole or his sharing of one of a very small library of jokes.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Rell Winston Draper; his sister, Betty Lawrence; and his brother, Billy (Sonny) Draper.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gwen Dell Kilcrease Draper; his sons, James Edward (Eddie) Draper, Jr. of League City, Texas and Michael Draper of Benton, Arkansas; his sisters, Louise Davis of Bauxite, Arkansas and Linda Kelly (Jim) of Glen Rose (Benton); his brother, Ronny ( Marie) Draper of Jeffersonville, Kentucky; his aunt, Ova Lee Shelby of Conway, Arkansas; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas, where a visitation for his friends and family will be held Thursday, August 14, from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Brother Terry Parrish will officiate a graveside service at the Promise Land Cemetery, east of Hamburg, Arkansas, on Friday, August 15, at 10 am (casual, cool attire is recommended).

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: (1) Spring Creek Baptist Church, 19200 I-30 Frontage Road, Benton, Arkansas, 72019; (2) Unity Missionary Baptist Church, 537 Cash Road, Camden, Arkansas, 71701; or (3) the Missionary Baptist Seminary, 5224 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72204.

Online guest book at www. ashbyfuneralhome.com