James Phillip Ray Primm

James Phillip Ray Primm, 53, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 1, 2023. 

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock followed by visitation with the family.  A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am.  Arrangements are made by Smith Family Funeral Homes in North Little Rock.

James was born on September 5, 1969, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  James was the long-awaited son of Raymond and Virginia (Schaffer) Primm and brother to his loving sisters Terry, Donna, and Shari, known as their “little guy.”

In 1970 the Primm family moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where James excelled in many sports, named ‘Mr. Consistency’ by the Roswell Daily Record for his shot record on the basketball court. At the age of ten, the Primm family moved to Russellville, Arkansas, where James completed his early education and graduated from Russellville High School. James was a gifted musician throughout his early years, learning to play the piano and trumpet and taught himself how to play the electric guitar in high school.  Both his parents and sisters were so proud of James’ athletic abilities and musical prowess.

James continued to foster and develop his immense talent and deep passion for music and became a founding member of the Christian rock band, Emergency Broadcast.  James had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the world as a singer and guitarist for Up With People, an organization centered on youth leadership and volunteerism, forming many lifelong friendships.

James graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a dual degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in 1991.  James began his engineering career in 1995 with Jason International and was responsible for the design of whirlpool bath products for the Jacuzzi family.  In 1999, he became an Associate Principal for I.C.E., Inc. and in 2000 he earned his professional engineering license. He advanced his Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineering career and became the Manager of MEP teams for TME, Inc.  In 2007, he was named the Director of MEP for Jacobs Engineering.

In June 2009, James founded Architectural Engineering Consultants, LLC, (AEC).  He obtained his Healthcare Facility Design Professional and LEED AP Building Design + Construction certifications.  He was awarded the honor of Design Engineer in Home Magazine’s Top Ten Building Products in 1998.  In his decades as a professional engineer, James held licensure in 42 states.

At a very early age, James learned the dignity of hard work and was known for his high standard of excellence in all that he did.  These traits allowed him to lead a team of dedicated colleagues and employees to produce exceptional, high-quality work each day for the clients whom James held mutually respected relationships and friendships throughout his esteemed career.

In 1995, during March Madness, James and Kathy met at an Arkansas Razorbacks watch party.  After a short courtship, they were married on July 6, 1996.  For the next twenty-six years they were inseparable and served as the perfect match for each other.  James always made sure that everyone knew how lucky he was to call Kathy his best friend.  Kathy and James were partners in the truest sense of the word and every role was shared.  No more important role completed their marriage than being the devoted parents to their three beautiful children Madison, Raydan, and Kennedy - instilling in them a sense of love and loyalty to family and deep devotion to their Catholic faith.  James lived every day for his wife and children. Being a husband and father was his greatest honor in life.  They were his world and he was theirs.  His vast love extended to his big family who adored him and counted on him so often for sage advice, sound guidance and unconditional love and support.  James always welcomed everyone with open arms and most often greeted you with a clever nickname.  He had an incredibly unique sense of humor and was effortless in his ability to make others laugh.  

When James was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in 2019, he met this with determination, grace, humility and courage.  Steadfast in his journey of treatment, James never gave up hope.  He met every difficult challenge with a thoughtful approach and every positive milestone with gratitude.  His profound presence and positive mindset inspired his medical care team, family and friends, and so many people across the world who supported and loved him every step of his hard fought journey.  James' story is one that will be told for years to come by all those who loved him and admired him - so touched by his unmatched strength, kindness, incredible light and his deep Catholic faith. 

James is preceded in death by his infant daughter Jacqueline Noel and his parents Raymond and Virginia Primm.

James is survived by his devoted wife of twenty-six years Kathy (Hartman) whom he cherished so deeply, and his lasting legacy lives on in his beloved children Madison, Raydan and Kennedy.  He is also survived by his loving sisters and their families: Terry and Mike Day and Melissa (Day) and Patrick McNamara; Donna, Larry, Jinny, and Ryan Lang; Shari, Steve, Spencer, and Shafer Melillo. James will be greatly missed by so many family members, including aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and the entire extended Hartman, Primm, and Schaffer families, as well as a multitude of friends around the world. 

Honorary Pallbearers are: Drew Crumpler, Mike Day, Emergency Broadcast band members, Anthony Ellis, Andrew Hartman, Chris Hartman, Greg Hartman, Joseph Hartman, Patrick Hartman, Larry Lang, Ryan Lang, Steve Melillo, Shafer Melillo, Spencer Melillo, Patrick McNamara, Jeff Pinter, Matthew Spond and Thomas Trapasso.

The family of James wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the devoted priests Father Alejandro Puello, Father Joseph Friend, Father T.J Hart, Father Andrew Hart, and Deacon Papini for sharing their time and devotion of prayers while administering the sacred sacraments of the Catholic Church to James through the last years.  The family offers great appreciation to the special medical caregivers, especially Dr. Brad Jenkins, CARTI oncologists Dr. Patel and Dr. Wilder and the many nurses and staff at CARTI, especially his dear friend and nurse Amber Helms.  Sincere gratitude is extended to Baptist Home Health and Red River Medical Supply and the Sue Smith Vacations family.  Memorials may be offered for the family of James at Masses at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered in James’ honor to the ACPMP—Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation. 

North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758 1170.