James Wier

James Harold Wier Sr. born to Clarence Harold Wier and Betty Jane Paul on February 24, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on November 21, 2022 after losing his war with cancer.

 Jim was the second of three brothers. Being a natural jokester, a trait carried through his entire life, he made their lives more than interesting. He was the one who found frogs or snakes and teased his older brother, Robert. Tragedy seemed to plague his early years. When he was four years old his younger brother, Larry, was killed in a car crash along with his mother. He seemed to take this in stride and snuggled up to every woman his father dated. When he was just six years old he was hit by a car and hospitalized for six weeks. Again he bounced back and completed the first grade. For Jim and his brother their Grandfather (John) was their protector, entertaining story teller, and guide to many adventures. They all especially enjoyed the hikes in and along Bean Creek. Catching crawdads, turtles, snakes, and hopping from rock to rock to navigate the creek were part of the frequent adventures that Grandpa led them on. Of course no adventure was complete without falling into the creek. Another adventure that Grandpa enjoyed leading the boys on was riding the Indianapolis City bus and trollies. They rode across town to the end of the trolley line or to the excelsior mill where grandpa worked. Jim and his brother attended the Southside Seventh-Day Adventist church school until the eight grade. Jim had teachers that he loved and some that were strongly cared about in a negative ways. At a school Halloween Party Jim let the air out of all four tires on a teachers car to show everyone that he did not like that teacher. After finishing the eight grade Jim went to a church sponsored high school across town. It was there that he found his lifetime favorite teach, George Dunder. Jim would often quote Mr. Dunder as saying “we might not have learned much but we sure had fun.” Jim spent his last two years of formal schooling at a boarding school, Indiana Academy. The school program consisted of a half day or academic instruction and a half day of real-world work for wages. Jim worked on the dairy farm and in the school’s unfinished factory, making picnic tables. After graduation in 1966 he wandered from place to place and job to job until his girlfriend’s father, an Air Force Recruiter, talked him into joining the Air Force in 1967. After boot camp and tech schools he was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. It was here he met on a blind date, and later married,  the first love of his life – Mildred Joyce Turner.  Jim would continue to serve his country for a little more than 8 years. During that time, he spent 305 days on foreign soil, including a tour for the Vietnam War.   He graduated from NCO Leadership School in 1971 and worked as a water and waste processing specialist.  Jim received honorable discharge from the USAF in June 1975 and returned to Arkansas as he promised to his Pop, Russell Turner, with his wife and three children. One of Jim’s first jobs in Arkansas was at the DX Gas Station.  It was here that owner Wayne Rotzel gave him his first set of tools and guided him in auto mechanics.  Jim would ultimately move on to work at Moore Ford where he received many awards, made lifelong friends and received the nickname #21 Stonehead.   Always looking to better his life for himself and family Jim changed jobs once again.  He took a mechanics position with the United State Postal Service.  He retired from USPS at the age of 53, something he was very proud of and didn’t mind reminding you.  Jim and Joy built a home together in Gravel Ridge Arkansas.  Jim was proud that he designed and oversaw its construction.  It was here that they raised their children, participated in band boosters, and for at least a few years bowled together.   On Sunday night Jim and Joy bowled together with another couple; Salt and Pepper was the name of the team. On Monday Joy bowled and Jim had the responsibility of taking care of the kids - it was Daddy’s night at home.  Somehow his children loved pork and beans with cut up hot dog - not something I think any of them eat today.

The remainder of his retirement years were spent living in Ward Arkansas. Once again he was first hand in the design and construction of his home. During these years he loved traveling, playing golf, being Santa Clause, serving the City of Ward as councilman, and helping anyone he could.  He took many trips but one of his favorite travel destinations was Colorado - a trip he took with wife Joy and youngest son John. Jim was also an avid golfer.  He and his golfing buddies played many rounds at Deer Run golf course.  They often took trips together, bet one another on various golf skills and other things, and on occasion were known to try and knock one another out.  In later years Jim cared for Joy until the time of her death in November 2018.  He was a devote husband and his love for Joy has shined his whole life.  Following the death of his wife Jim ventured into a new activity - Ward country dance.  It was here he met his second love, Barbara Dee Stivers.  It was her birthday and rather than dance with the broom he asked the lady to dance – lucky for all of us she said yes. Together they spent the last few years of his life traveling, wood-working, doing events as Mr. and Mrs Clause, having lunch with friends at the Cabot Senior Center, and attending their favorite event - the Ward Country Dance. It made Jim extremely happy to once again have someone to experience life with.  He and Barbara enjoyed the beach, visiting with friends, and just sitting on the front porch. Jim’s last years were full of life and love – something I hope for everyone reading this today. Dad’s personality was infectious, people were just drawn to him and either immediately loved him or not. He was the jokester from birth and the comedian in the room. His antics are akin to folklore. From his farts that pushed you past the floral department in Kroger to stealing your woman at the dance and giving you the broom he always kept you smiling and on your toes. We extend special thanks to everyone who cared for dad. The staff at the VA Hospital in Little Rock were attentive and compassionate, his friends who checked on him and prayed for the family were instrumental in his last months.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother (Betty Jane), father (Clarence), brother (Larry), and wife (Joy). He leaves behind to carry on his name and spirit: son, James Harold Jr (Lisa), daughter, Jennifer Marie (Frank), son, John Wesley;  granddaughter, Casey Joy (James); brother, Robert (Star); sister, Michelle; three nieces Wendy, Misty, Haley (their spouses and children); nephew Mitchell; lady of his love Barbara Dee Stivers (and family), and more friends, neighbors and colleagues to name.

Honorary Paul Bearers: Frank Ryba (son in law), James Skinner (husband to niece Casey), Logan Azana (son of niece Wendy), Boston Scharwarth (son of niece Misty), and Ron Biset (brother from another mother)

The family invites you following the service to for a small reception and opportunity to share your stories. We would love to know how you knew him and hear your story. The family will provide lite appetizers, but please if you can bring a beverage to drink and if you like a dessert – late in life dessert was his favorite meal. The reception will be held at the Ward Country Dance.

Finally, the family wishes that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Criswell Robinson, American Legion Post 71 at 600 North Grant Street, Cabot AR 72023. For additional information please call 501.203.5715.