James Sjodin

James Daniel "Jim" Sjodin, 65, of Little Rock, died at his home on Sunday, January 23, 2011. He was born December 27, 1945 in Marlow, Oklahoma to James F. Sjodin and Hattie Lorene Pierce Sjodin (White). He graduated from North West Classen High School and studied voice and piano at Oklahoma City University, the University of Central Oklahoma and UALR. A gifted and talented lifelong professional church musician, he was most recently pianist/choir accompanist at Highland Valley United Methodist Church. Jim was known for his outstanding tenor voice which many compared to Jussi Bjorling. He served on staff at central Arkansas churches as choir director and organist, including Lonoke First United Methodist (2006-2010), St. Luke United Methodist (2004-2005) and Christ the King Catholic (1991-2000), and Cantor at Temple B'nai Israel. He was also a private voice and piano instructor. Jim called himself a "follower of Jesus" and loved to discuss religion with his many diverse friends and sharing books on religion. He was a very generous teacher, giving away sheet music and CDs of classical music to his students. He was especially interested in opera and attended performances in Memphis and Dallas with friends, and sending them YouTube performances of favorite opera stars. A vegetarian, he was a gourmet cook who created his own recipes. He also collected paintings and sculptures of African lions and was an avid cyclist. He is survived by his three beloved dogs, Max, Rita and Lindy, as well as by a host of friends and former students and choir members. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 19 at 12:00 noon at Calvary Cemetery, 20th and Woodrow, Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland Valley UMC, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, www.hvumc.org. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501)224-2200. Mr. Sjodin's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.