James E. Shepard, 87, of Benton died Thursday, September 5, 2024.  He was born October 1, 1936, in Haskell, Arkansas.

He was a paratrooper in the Army.  He worked in the mines at Reynolds in Bauxite and at Sohio in New Mexico.  He was retired from Global Manufacturing in Little Rock.  For several years he drew house plans for many families around central Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary Shepard, his wife, Martha Shepard, a daughter, Debbie Fleming and 4 siblings: Herman, Kenneth, Donna and David.

He is survived by a son, Steve Shepard (Amy) of Bryant, Kim Ramsey (Paul) of Benton, a son in law, Randy Fleming of Benton, a brother in law, David Terry, 6 grandchildren: T.J. Fleming of Benton, Bailey Ramsey of Benton, Katlyn Shepard of Bryant, Aaron Ramsey of Benton, and Emily Shepard and Lexi Shepard, both of Bryant, and one great granddaughter, Laikyn Fleming.  He is also survived by a very special nephew, Ron Shepard (Peggy & Sam) of Lemont, IL and niece, Rita Shepherd of Bauxite.  He's survived by several other nieces and nephews, all whom he loved.

Everyone loved James. If you knew him, you couldn't help but love him.  He was kind, easy-going, patient and giving.  If he had it and you needed it, it was yours.  For the few females in his life he spoke to regularly on the phone, the call was ended with his signature "I love you babe".  He loved to laugh and tell jokes – especially blonde jokes!  James loved animals; his beloved yorkie, Lady, passed exactly one month before him. Lastly, he loved life and he loved our lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Saline Missionary Baptist Church to the building fund in memory of James Shepard.  The address is P.O. Box 554, Benton, AR 72018.

The family wishes to express a very heartfelt thank you to the VA hospital in Little Rock and North Little Rock for his dedicated care for over 30 years.  His cardiac APRN, Suzanne, treated him for more than 25 years and she held a special place in James' heart and his family.  A special shoutout to Jodi, the MICU nurse caring for James during his last hours, she must have been appointed by God to take care of him and the family.

A graveside Funeral will be held 11 AM, Monday, September 16th at New Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.