DEWITT — James Edward Nugent

was born August 29, 1944, in Gould, Ark. He was born to Charles (Charlie) Edward Nugent and Annie Lee Burnett Nugent. He left this earth on March 20, 2024.

James was the epitome of hard work. He was a carpenter and electrician. His love for his children was endless. He was always there with a listening ear, reassuring words, a relatable “Nugent” joke or two. He also took an immense amount of pride in his grandchildren. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard, where he served for eight years during the Vietnam Era.

He loved to fish. He would fish for hours and hours. He always had a garden. He would tell you all about the process day in and day out. He enjoyed reading his Bible and he would quote scriptures. He would always tell us growing up, “if you don’t believe me, then look it up in the Bible!” You could always catch Daddy watching Elvis movies and western movies if he was in the house. He loved to listen to music, whether it was Elvis, Hank Williams, or Johnny Cash.

He loved the song Milky White Way by Elvis. The lyrics are absolutely perfect - I’m gonna meet God the Father and God the Son. Gonna join that Christian band.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald, Jerry, Earl, and Kenneth “Sonny”; and two sisters, Polly Anna Nugent and Doris Nugent Austin.

He is survived by his daughters, Annette (Bryan) Armstrong, Carrie (Shawn) Johnson; and son, Davy (Rebecca) Nugent; and godson, Donavan Bishop; grandchildren, Haven (Alec), Katy, Kip, Andrew, Ty, Kendall, Emmaline, Elizabeth, Lina Grace, Maggie, Garrett, Ava, and Allie; sisters, Marilyn Sue Nugent, Betty (Mike) Hughes, Joyce (James) Kennedy; and brother, Charles Ray Nugent; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 March 29 at Essex Funeral Home with visitation one hour before. Burial will be in Van Camp Cemetery. www.essexfuneralhome.com