James Ralph Burks

James R. Burks, 92 of Little Rock, AR passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022 after a long battle with dementia. He was born November 30, 1931 to Ernest Burks and Naomi Graff Burks in Trilby Ohio. James joined the United States Air Force in May of 1952 and proudly served his country until he was medically discharged in 1962. After the service James worked at Saint Vincent Hospital in the Bio medical instrument lab as a technician where he retired after more than 30 years of service.

James enjoyed many outdoor activities such as gardening, wood working, and metal detecting. But his favorite outdoor activitity would probably be anywhere with a fishing pole in his hand. You would also catch him sitting in his chair reading the Bible and crocheting. He will be missed dearly by all.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Ernest and Naomi Burks; his beloved wife, Shirley Burks; daughter, Patricia Bowden; four brothers, Chuck, Paul,  Ernest, and Bill Burks; and three sisters, Rachel Turner, Grace Humphrey, and Peggy Jackson. He is survived by his four sons; Paul (Kathy), Jesse (Lisa), John (Sandy), and Jimmy Burks; 13 grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

Visitation will be from 6:00 PM  8:00 PM, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107). Funeral service will be at 11:30 AM Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Heritage Baptist Temple (4910 Stagecoach Road) with burial following at Forest Hills Cemetery.