BENTONVILLE — James “Jim” Thomas Poland,

81, of Bentonville, Ark., passed away Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, at his home. He was born on June 30, 1939, in Winterset, Iowa, to the late James Willard “Bill” and Eleanor Louise Poland and grew up in Winterset, a graduate of Winterset High School.

Jim went on to attend Iowa State University where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and graduated with a bachelor of science in geology in 1963. Jim fell in love with and married Mary Jean Grant on Dec. 17, 1961, at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

Jim and Mary are the proud parents of six children Kim, Dawn, Christopher, Jill, Brian, and Adam who they raised in Pineville, Mo. Jim retired from GACO Western in 2010. Prior to his work with GACO, he owned and operated Water Equipment Service Company on the square in Pineville, Mo.

Nothing brought Jim more happiness than spending time with his family. Their land at Huckleberry Ridge was a common gathering space for family functions, including summers, camping, and hosting family reunions.

Jim never missed an important event in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Jim loved to travel with his wife and kids and later with his grandchildren. A few of his favorite family vacations included Roaring River State Park, Canada, Disneyworld, and cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. In his later years, Jim enjoyed annual trips to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, typically accompanied by his children and their families.

If you knew “Big Jim,” you know he never met a stranger. Jim loved to visit with people and always welcomed a lively conversation.

He is survived by wife Mary Poland of 59 years; six children and 11 grandchildren — Kimberly Berry and husband Shane Berry and child Billy; Dawn Stewart and husband Mark Stewart and children Ben and Megan; Christopher Poland and wife Traci Poland and children Josh and Abbi; Jill Poland and husband John Holmes and children Carter and Kate; Brian Poland and wife Amy Poland and children Taylor and Lily; Adam Poland and wife Melody Poland and children Addison and Grace; sister Judy Trimpe and husband Gary Trimpe; brother Richard Poland and wife Judy Poland; and five nieces and nephews Amy, Missy, Bryce, Aaron and Kendra and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Eleanor Poland.

A visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Mo. Graveside services will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the Pineville Cemetery. Pastor Doris Schlessman will officiate.

Jim’s sons, grandsons, and nephews will honor his memory by serving as pallbearers. A celebration of Jim’s life will follow at Camp Poland five miles east of Pineville on Highway K. It was always Jim’s wish that his life be celebrated with food, family, friends and great stories. His family invites you to attend his celebration of life to share your fondest memories of “Big Jim.”

Out of love and concern for our family and yours, it is requested that everyone wear a mask and practice safe distancing during all services. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Mo. Online condolences may be sent to the family at their website www.ozarkfuneralhome.com.