Jim Handloser

A wonderful example of a life well lived has ended today.  Jim Handloser died on May 7, 2019 at the age of 86.  A native of Detroit, MI, Jim was born on October 16, 1932 the first of four siblings to Anthony and Kathryn Handloser.  Jim loved sports and shared countless hours with many friends joyously competing.  He was an outstanding high school athlete at De LaSalle High School and went on to play football and baseball for the University of Detroit where Jim earned his law degree.  After passing the bar exam, Jim couldn’t stay away from sports, so he coached football at St. Paul High School until he was appointed as a special agent with the FBI in 1956.  Jim had many adventures with the Bureau!  Tracking bank robbers, moonshiners, murderers and scofflaws across Kentucky, Illinois, and Mississippi.  In 1965, Jim resigned from the FBI and relocated his family to North Little Rock, Arkansas where he was the Director of Security for Southwestern Bell Telephone for 26 years.

Coaching and raising kids consumed most every day in the Handloser house!  Jim’s high school sweetheart turned super-mom of eight kids, Shirley Handloser, made managing the Handloser team look effortless.  Jim coached hundreds of kids both boys and girls in football, baseball, softball, and basketball into his 70’s.  He was famous for his batting practice pitching and his ability to build even the most awkward kids into confident winners.  His last teams affectionately dubbed him “Coach Grampa.”

Jim was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for 50 years.  Jim was always lucky, and he enjoyed playing bridge, crosswords and visiting the casinos.  He is survived by his wife and best friend of 66 years, Shirley.  Jim’s eight children are Lynne Ritchie (Elmer), Kathy Aday (Wade), Janet Dolan (Kit), Patti Lee (Greg), Jim Handloser (Pam), Tom Handloser (Nancy), Rick Handloser (Karen), Mick Handloser (Kim). Jim and Shirley’s children blessed them with twenty-three grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  The entire family knew with certainty that Jim Handloser loved them.

Jim also loved Jesus and is with Him now.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, May 13, 2019 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home with a rosary following at 7:00 PM.  A Memorial Mass will begin at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Little Rock.  Memorials may be made to Catholic High School, Mount St. Mary Academy or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.