ORLANDO, Fla. — James Barton Sikes,

age 77, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on February 5, 2020. James was the son of Arnold Barton Sikes and Wanda Myrthine Moore Sikes and was born on March 28, 1942, in Paris, Arkansas. His family relocated to North Little Rock, Arkansas, when he was young. Following his graduation from North Little Rock High School, he attended Arkansas Tech University, then transferred and ultimately graduated from the University of Arkansas. He met his wife Eileen while on a summer internship in Washington, D.C. After their marriage, Jim served in the Army, achieving the rank of Major, and was posted at the National Security Agency during the Vietnam War. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves afterward, and went to work for the United States Postal Service as a postal inspector. Jim and Eileen were eventually blessed with five children, and lived in Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri before finally settling in Orlando.

After he retired from the United States Postal Service, Jim enjoyed a second career working in the security department at Walt Disney World. He also went back to school and earned a Master’s Degree. He was a lifelong Arkansas Razorbacks fan, and continued to attend football games whenever he was able, most often with his sister Mary Nell. He was an animal lover: late in life he became particularly passionate about Rottweilers, especially his own, Max and Hercules. He attended St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and volunteered his time through the Methodist Ministry, teaching reading to incarcerated adults.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen (O’Brien) Sikes, and daughters, Amy Gerdel (Vernon), of Moselle, Missouri, Rebecca Flanagan (Scott), Kathleen Sikes, Elizabeth Sikes, all of Orlando; and son James A. Sikes, also of Orlando. Grandchildren include Kasey Kroeck, Kyle Kroeck, Madaline Gerdel, all of Missouri, Brennan Flanagan of Orlando, and J.D. Sikes, also of Orlando, as well as one great-grandchild, Everly Gerdel, of Missouri. Other survivors include his beloved sister Mary Nell Blackwell, of North Little Rock, Arkansas.

He was loved by many, whether they called him Jimmy, Jim, Dad, Uncle, or Grandpa, and he will be greatly missed.

Arrangements entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Maitland, Fla. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Barton Sikes please visit our Sympathy Store.