SHERIDAN — James D. Wagner, Jr.

of Sheridan, Ark., was born January 15, 1959 in Newport, Ark., the son of James D. Wagner, Sr. and

Nellie Hamner Wagner. He was a member of Little Creek Missionary Baptist Church and a graduate of Sheridan Class of 1977. Also, he was a former member of Sheridan Fire Department and Grant Co Rescue for many years.

James died at his home on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at the age of 63.

James was the County Ranger having retired with 38 years of service to the Arkansas Forestry Commission. He enjoyed being invited to the schools and informing the students about fire prevention and how to stop, drop and roll. He assisted every fire department in the county to be a better department by helping them to get some valuable equipment.

He was well known for vinyl lettering for Timberfest, the Grant County Fair and the Grant County Chamber of Commerce. He was a lover of animals, woodworking and truly enjoyed being Smokey the Bear for parades and the library. His #1 hobby was taking care of his granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Forest Arnold and a grandson Bentley Love.

Survivors: wife Sheryl Arnold Wagner of Sheridan; sons Brandon (Brittany) Love of Sheridan, Cody Love (Rebekah Kuhn) of North Little Rock; daughter, Amber Wagner of Muskogee, Oklahoma; parents, Jim and Nellie Wagner of Sheridan; brother, Timothy (Connie) Wagner of Sheridan; sister Donna Wagner of Sheridan; mother-in-law, Deanna Arnold of Sheridan; grandchildren Colby and Joshua Wagner, Odis Love, Bryce Love, Anastasia Love and one on the way; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jim Wagner and Bro. Ricky Poyner officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Brandon Love, Cody Love, Jason Whitehead, Troy Wood, Josh Beaver, and Danny Myers. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Sheridan Fire Department and Grant County Fire and Rescue.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to an animal shelter of your choice or please plant a tree in his memory.

Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan.