James F. Hart Jr.

James F (Jim) Hart, Jr. went to be with his Lord on April 29, 2023. Born March 29, 1926, Jim is a retiree of the former Missouri-Pacific Railroad. He is preceded in death by his father James F. Hart, Sr., his mother Frances Hart (nee Harper), and brother William Hart. He is survived by his wife M. LaVerne Hart (nee Cates), son James B. Hart, and daughter Barbara A. Gibson.

A decorated veteran of World War II, Jim served in France and Germany with the 253rd Infantry Regiment. Serving as a forward scout, Jim crossed the Rhine River on his nineteenth birthday and was wounded shortly thereafter. He received the European Theater of Operations Ribbon, the Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, Infantryman’s Combat Badge, two Bronze Stars,
and a Good Conduct Medal. Jim was a charter member of Saint Andrew United Methodist Church and was a
Mason and Shriner for over seventy years.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home,
8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock AR, 72205 (501-224-2000). Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no formal visitation;
public viewing will be Friday, May 5, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be a graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery
at 10:00 AM on Saturday May 6. Pastor Greg Burks will officiate along with members of the Iron Springs Masonic
Lodge. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one of the following organizations: Pulaski County
Humane Society, ASPCA, or the Alzheimer’s Association (ACT.ALZ.org).