This is an address change notification: Ronnie Glen James, age 75, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend moved on to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from a local hospital in Batesville, AR at 7:39 p.m. He was born April 1, 1949 in Newport, Arkansas to Glenn Eugene and Virginia McVay James.
Ronnie was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a sergeant in the Vietnam War. He was a retired cook, serving 30 years at Con-Agra Frozen Foods in Batesville. Ronnie was a Christian and a member of Peaceful Harbor Church in Batesville, serving as board member, adult Sunday school teacher, and building superintendent for 20 years. Ronnie prepared and served food for Our Father’s Table Ministry feeding the hungry of Batesville both physically and spiritually.
His hobbies were reading, fishing, and hunting, and watching cooking programs on TV. Ronnie also enjoyed spending time with his family, fellowshipping with his Christian friends and work colleagues. Ronnie was a gentle giant. His wit, kindness, generosity and wisdom were only a few of his attributes. Ronnie was a man of faith that loved his God above all. He was also a man who deeply loved his country and fought to defend it.
He was preceded in death by both parents, his brother, Ben Eugene James, and a son, Timmy Brady.
He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Bernita (Nita) Earlene Hastings James of the home, two sons, Glen Shawver James (Cynthia) of Smithville, Arkansas, Byron A.G. Pratt Jr. of Newport, Arkansas. Two daughters, Shelly Ann James (Steve) of Atoka, Tennessee, and Aeron Raelene Burrow James of Cave City, Arkansas, two grandsons, Jansen and Braven Pratt of Tuckerman, Arkansas, and one granddaughter Codi James of Russellville, Arkansas, and two great granddaughters, Aria and Hallee Page of Russellville, Arkansas. Two honorary sons, T.J. (Kristen) James and Jason (Penny) Briley. One honorary daughter, Missy Knight (Jason). A brother Terry James of Batesville, and a sister Beth James of California. Ronnie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services will be at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel on Monday, February 10, 2025, 2 p.m. with Rev. Wally Varner and Rev. Vance Penn officiating.
Visitation is also Monday, February 10, 2025, 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Jarret, Larry Fryman, Raymond Hedges, Dale Briley, Lyn Swan, Jimmy McVay, Ricky Harris, Doug Borrow, Christian Varner and Ron Baker.
Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.