BENTON — On December 21, 1973, a special son, Jason Reece Givens,

48, affectionately known as “J”, was born to Barbara Mahan Givens and Edward Dale Givens, Jr. in Sparkman, AR. On December 19, 2022, this special son, outstanding father, and faithful husband died at CHI St. Vincent Hospital, Hot Springs, as a result of a tragic accident on Central Avenue in front of Oaklawn Park. Jason and his family live in Benton.

Jason was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara, Grandparents Reece and Atha Mahan of Sparkman, Ark., and Dale and Louise Givens of Sparkman, Ark.

Jason is survived by his dad Ed and wife, Judy, brother B. Mark Givens, of Camden, wife Stephanie, daughter Reece Jalynn Givens and son Payne Michael Givens, and a host of friends that were considered family.

His hobbies included hunting at Sparkman, deep sea fishing, horse racing, golf and cheering on the Steelers.

Jason graduated from Henderson State University. He went to work for Arkansas Farm Bureau for 23 years starting in Ashdown, then to DeQueen, Hot Springs and ended his career in the state office in Little Rock, as a District Claims Manager. For the last two years, he sold cars for Everett Buick-GMC in Benton.

During his career, he met many people from all professions and walks of life. He was always professional with the relations between his employers and clients; thus many of his clients became lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial may be made in his name to New Hope Baptist Church at 615 Dallas 226 Sparkman, Ark., 71763. Jason grew up, a member of the church.

Starting now, a move is underway to get a crosswalk bridge over the highway in front of Oaklawn constructed, even over scenic 7. There have been numerous accidents resulting in death at this crossing. Let’s not let Jason’s death be in vain. This bridge would be the “Jason Reece Givens Memorial Bridge.”

Pallbearers: Derek Phillips, Jamie Calhoun, Tucker Freeman, Steve Murray, Matt Wingfield, John Brewer, Chad Hawkins, and Mike Carter.

Honorary Pallbearers: David Brazeal, Tracy Harmon, Brandon Shelton, Richard Poole, Josh Webb, Brad Burke, Brent Patterson, Glenn Manning, Brady Baker, Jeremy Lemons, and Kevin Reed.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, December 22 at Ashby Funeral Home, 108 W. Narroway in Benton, Ar. 72015.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, December 23 at New Hope Baptist Church, 1621 Hwy 128 in Sparkman, Ark. 71763. Burial will follow at Givens Cemetery in Sparkman. Bro. Shawn Barnard and Bro. David Dillard will be officiating.

On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.