James Phelps

James Eugene Phelps, Sr., was born September 21, 1950, in Camden, Arkansas, to Eugene Vaude Phelps and Iva Marie (Priddy) Phelps.  James passed away at the age of 74 on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at his home in Ouachita.  James’s parents instilled in him Christian values. At the tender age of 7, at a tent revival in Camden, James accepted Jesus as his Savior and followed Him in baptism.

A 1968 graduate of Fairview High School, James enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1970 and served onboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga for two years during the Vietnam war. Having crossed the equator twice during his service, James’s initiation to earn the status of a “shellback” was among the many fascinating stories of his life. James was aboard the Ticonderoga when, in 1972, the carrier recovered the Apollo 16 astronauts once their capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean following the crew’s moon landing. James was a Yeoman, third class, at the time of his honorable discharge from the Navy.

Upon discharge he attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, graduating from this institution in 1976 with a forestry degree. After college he worked various logging jobs until finding his niche at Ray White Lumber Company in Sparkman, where he worked as their registered forester for 40-plus years. James found much gratification in his career and was respected by many peers in the pine timber business throughout South Arkansas.

When he wasn’t cruising tracts of timber or buying and selling logs, he enjoyed fishing (particularly dumb belling for catfish), listening to all types of music, traveling with friends and family, carpentry, and duck hunting with his youngest son (although neither could hit a duck if one landed on their laps).

James was a man of few words, all of which contained tremendous value, whether it was a good joke, sound life advice, or a recommendation for a vacation destination. He was regarded as a gentleman by those who knew him. He could solve any math problem you threw at him and had a knack for grammar; he would have suggested some corrections to his own obituary and probably kept it much shorter. He preferred taking the backroads in his travels and was capable of driving long distances without hitting the blacktop.

James married Joannie Key in 2002. Together, they built a relationship founded on the precept that vows taken before God were meant to be kept, and The Lord blessed their union. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, road trips, and working together on projects around their beloved homestead.

In 2002, at the age of 52, James reaffirmed his salvation during a revival service at Ouachita Baptist Church. At that time, he was baptized and joined this congregation as a faithful member.

James is preceded in death by his parents; and first wife and mother of his children, Barbara (Jarvis) Phelps.

James is survived by his wife of 23 years, Joannie Key Phelps; sons, James “Jim” Jr. and Joel (Natalie Scrimshire) Phelps, of Arkadelphia; daughter, Prudence (Glenn) McCann, of Hampton; stepdaughter, Holly Ricker; stepson, Wesley (Amanda) Hill, both of Sparkman; three grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; and one sister, Vickie (Steve) Crumpler, of Forsyth, Missouri.

Visitation and a graveside service was held Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Chapel Hill Cemetery with Bro. Carley Davis and Bro. Ken Key officiating.

Final arrangements entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.

Pallbearers were Steve Crumpler, Steven Goza, Wes Hill, Ken Key, Glenn McCann and Riley McCann. Honorary pallbearers were David Smith and Donny White.

A special thank you to Arbor Hospice, especially Tracy Peterson, who went above and beyond to provide excellent care for James in his final days. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Ouachita Baptist Church, c/o Sherry Carter, 833 Highway 207, Sparkman, AR 71763.