JAMES “JIM” WILLIAM MONK, JR.,
passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022. He was born on August 17, 1947, in Hot Springs, Ark., to James W. Monk and Birdie Davidson Monk. Jim graduated from Hot Springs High School and then from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with an Engineering Degree and an MBA. Jim loved Fayetteville and everything about his college days, sharing good times with his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers. Friendships made there lasted his entire lifetime. Jim’s was a life of service in every way possible. He took great honor in serving his country and retired as a Lt. Col, U.S. Army Reserves. Here, too, he made many enduring relationships. To say Jim served his family is an understatement. A devoted husband, daddy, father-in-law and granddad, he loved his family like nothing else and showed and said it every single day.
His parents and sister, Kay Monk Goodwin predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lynn McCleary Monk, and daughters, Sarah Monk Duke and Susannah Monk Willett. His love grew to include sons-in-law, Steven Duke and Reed Willett and the joys of his later years, grandsons, Andrew and Bennett Duke. Family was his greatest blessing.
Jim served his friends and customers. He spent his entire professional life as a mechanical engineer in the HVAC industry. He was very active in ASHRAE, a worldwide professional HVAC association in which he held every office. He especially enjoyed mentoring young people getting started in the industry. Jim was instrumental in creating the Heating & Air Conditioning Licensing Board for the state of Arkansas. He was always willing to share his expertise with those who needed it.
Jim served his church, Pulaski Heights United Methodist, in a variety of capacities including the Board of Trustees, numerous building committees, van driver, usher and the TV Board, handling the audio duties for the Sunday morning television service. He especially loved time spent coaching numerous PHUMC youth basketball teams. He was a member of the Newton Good News Sunday School Class and the Wild Dogs Bible study. Jim enjoyed many pleasures in his life, world travel, the smell of the ocean, a good cigar, a Friday martini, calling the Hogs, golfing at the Country Club of Little Rock, a love/hate relationship, and especially time spent on Lake Hamilton. He treasured his family and friends and loved good company. Jim’s was a life of steadfast service, and a deeply rooted faith in his God. His was a life well spent.
A memorial service will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church on Friday, March 25, at 10 p.m., with a reception following in the Great Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the McCleary/Monk Endowment Fund at the church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of: RuebelFuneralHome.com