James William Stapleton

James William Stapleton, one of God’s chosen servants, was called home to Heaven on Friday morning, April 27, 2012, at the age of 84. He is preceded in death by his son, James Dale Stapleton and his great-granddaughter, Lindsay Katherine Schooling. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Faye “Trudy” Stapleton and son, Jackie Whayne Stapleton, both of Little Rock; five grandchildren – Amy Renice Tutka and her family of Richardson, Texas, Kathy Denise Wallace and her family of Bedford, Texas, James Warren Stapleton and his family of Paradise, Texas, Jamie Cara DiFlorio and her family of Little Rock, and DeAndra Lorene Holleman and her husband of Beebe; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a host of family, friends and church members who will miss him dearly.

James was born on June 2, 1927 in Farmers Branch, Texas, to William Earl and Ola Mae Stapleton. At the age of 15, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and later attended Bible Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Upon his graduation from seminary in 1948, Reverend Stapleton spent the next 24 years serving as pastor in nine churches in California, Texas, Missouri, and Arkansas. In 1972, James and his family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where they joined Heritage Baptist Temple. Brother Stapleton served faithfully at Heritage for over 40 years, most recently as the Pastor of the Senior Adult Ministry. He touched the lives of so many “Senior Saints” as he faithfully visited and ministered to those who were home-bound and hospitalized, even until shortly before his passing.

In 1992, Mr. Stapleton retired from Dassault Falcon Jet in Little Rock after 16 years as a sheet metal mechanic. During his time at Falcon, he became affectionately known as “Preacher” to all who knew and loved him.

James leaves behind a faithful testimony, a life well-lived for his Lord, and many treasured memories that his loved ones will cherish until their joyful reunion in Heaven one blessed day.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, April 30, 2012, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300.

Services for Brother Stapleton will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Heritage Baptist Temple, with Pastor Bobby Creel officiating. Interment will follow at Arkansas State Veterans’ Cemetery in North Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Heritage Evangelistic Missionary Association (HEMA), a ministry of Heritage Baptist Temple, 4910 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209.