Rosevelt James in his 85 ^th season of life answered the voice of the Lord and slept away into eternity after a lengthy battle with failing health on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.  He was born November 29, 1932 in Summerville, AR to Melvin and Josephine Sumler James.  They preceded him in death as well as his first wife, Illia James; grandparents, Rufus and Evalee James; son, Johnny James.

Rosevelt lived in Hampton, AR until he married Illia Fay McKay.  They moved to Malvern in the community of Mt. Willow.  Their union was blessed with six children.  He was proud to be a good father to his family and he was a hard worker.  Rosevelt was commonly known as "Jab." Not being an educated man, he didn't allow that to stop him from providing for his family.  He built from scratch a dwelling that provided a home for his growing family.

He united with Mt. Willow Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor J.O.T. Lea. He served as a Deacon and Sunday School Member.  He later joined Victory Praise & Worship Church and remained a Deacon.

Mr.Jab worked for Acme Brick for over 25 years,  He also worked for the Flakeboard Plant for 20 years, and lastly Alcoa Aluminum Company for 15 years which required him to move to Richmond, IN.  He received his G.E.D. while living in Richmond, IN.  He loved reading books with his grandchildren.  After retirement from Alcoa, he moved back to Mt. Willow.  He enjoyed the farm life….raising goats, chickens, geese and hogs. Jab's chest would push out with joy seeing and spending time with his grandchildren and great grans showing them all the animals on his farm.  His love of gardening provided greens and vegetables for the community. Having the gift of gab, you would often find him sitting out on his back porch conversing with people about good ol' times.  He got along with everyone and never met a stranger.

Those left to cherish his memory and to share his legacy include his wife, Sonya Smith James of Malvern, AR; his children, Jimmy (Brenda) James, Fayetteville, NC, Herbert (Alice) James, Larry James and, Lanita (Herbert) Beard all of Malvern, AR and Valita (Rev. Charles) Hood, Benton, AR; his bonus children, Keyunia Smith, T'Keyah Smith, Walter Jenkins, III and, Harold Brownlee all of Malvern, AR; one brother, John Child, Bearden, AR; two sisters, Louise (Jeff) Woods, Milwaukee, WI, Abbie J. Bland, Las Vegas, NV, 21 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, October 6. 2018 at Victory Praise and Worship Church, Malvern, AR.  Open visitation will be Friday at the funeral home from 12:00 – 4:30 PM.  His earthly remains were buried Tuesday, October 9, 2018 in Peala Cemetery.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.