JAMES R. MELTON JR.,

66, of North Little Rock passed from this life on January 14, 2021. He was born March 13, 1954 to James R. Melton Sr. and the late Mary Sue Williams Melton. Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He was of the Baptist Faith and regularly attended New Life Church. Jim served for many years as a deacon at Levy Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church where he ran the sound system. He was a hardworking and loving man, who always made time for those he cared about. He was a role model and father figure for many children who otherwise would not have had a positive male influence in their lives. Jim was also and Eagle Scout and was named as an Outstanding Young Man of America. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and leather working. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Don Melton.

Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Rebecca Adams Melton; father, James R. Melton Sr. of North Little Rock; children, Sarah Elizabeth Jelley of North Little Rock and Johnathon Grady Melton (Sonia) of Little Rock. Other survivors include grandchildren, Gavin Melton, Sicily Pierce, Garen Jelley; sister Donna Cresey (Darryl) of Lonsdale; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Funeral services will be 2pm, Monday, January 18, 2021 at First Baptist Church Sherwood with Doctor Rickey Lee and Brother Dale Prater officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1pm at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials in Jim’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association or The Van Veterans Outreach.

State of AR COVID-19 directives: Face coverings required. Maintain social distancing. Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Ark. 72114. (501) 758-1170. Sign Mr. Melton’s online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com