James "Wes" Wesley Cherry, Jr.

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
St. James United Methodist Church
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
10:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Shadowlawn Cemetery
731 Wilson Street
Malvern, AR  72104
Memorial Contributions
St. James United Methodist Church
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212


Twentieth Century Club
4011 Maryland Avenue
Little Rock, AR  72204
James "Wes" Wesley Cherry, Jr.

of Little Rock, AR

August 9, 1955 - October 14, 2017

James Wesley ''Wes'' Cherry, Jr., age 62, of Little Rock passed away from this life at his home on October 14, 2017. He was born on August 9, 1955 in Shreveport, LA. His parents were James W. and Kathleen Slaughter Cherry of Little Rock.

Wes graduated from Hall High School and then from UALR in 1978. The day after his wedding to Kim, they moved to Fayetteville where he attended the University of Arkansas School of Law where he earned his juris doctorate degree with honors in 1983. While there he excelled academically and was a member of the Arkansas Law Review.

Following graduation, Wes worked at a Ft. Smith law firm for one year then returned home to Little Rock where he began his legal career working for John Haley, Sr. then the Eichenbaum Law Firm. For 25 proud years, Wes worked for Dillard's Inc. where he served as assistant general counsel then Vice President of Real Estate. He was a faithful, hardworking, devoted worker who always had a love for the law with a servant's heart. He so appreciated Bill Dillard for the faith he had in him.

While at Dillard's, Wes became a Board member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Upon his retirement in 2012, Wes was honored with the most amazing retirement party given by his closest fellow Board members Charles Lebovitz, David Zoba, Yaromir Steiner and Gar Herring. For this and the years of friendship, Wes was eternally grateful. Other special friends from the industry were Will Wilson, Bill Wilson, Chuck Stilley, Gary Nay and so many others.
Wes retired at age 57 where he and Kim began their new life as ''old teenagers.'' Friends would stop them out walking hand-in-hand and ask if they were dating. They loved telling people they still not only loved e
ach other but also liked each other so dearly.

While he loved being an attorney, Wes' family was the true love of his life. He not only adored Kim, but he showed her that love and devotion every single day. Two months after his law school graduation, their son David Wesley Cherry was born. The year his Dillard's career began, their second son, Daniel Phillip Cherry was born.

Wes cherished these two men from the day they were born until his last breath, seeing or talking to both of them every day. He was so proud when they each received post-graduate degrees from the U of A then when they found wonderful women to love, marry, and spend their lives with.

Two years ago, Wes became a grandfather, a role that gave him perhaps the greatest joy of his life. Emma Wesley Cherry loved her ''Bubba'' and it thrilled Wes to hear her call his name. Two months ago, he fell in love all over again when Emma's baby brother, Ellis James Cherry, was born. Wes spent as much time with them as he possibly could and loved every second with them. To have both of his grandchildren carry his name was such an honor and gift for Wes.

Wes was a lifelong Methodist, growing up at Pulaski Heights Methodist Church then most recently at St. James Methodist Church and the Transitions Sunday School class.

Wes was an avid Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He appreciated the years his family got to use the Dillard's box at Razorback games. The family has amazing memories.

Wes is preceded in death by his loving parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim Knight Cherry and two sons, David Cherry (Michelle) of Little Rock and Daniel Cherry (Julia) of Fayetteville. He is also survived by two wonderful sisters, Erin Moore (Hart) of Little Rock and Patricia Higginbotham of Arlington, VA.

He is also survived by (Aunt) Berna Taylor of Newport and by in-laws Susan and Larry Daniel of Malvern, Bill and Belinda Knight of Malvern and Kay and Mike Brand of Newport. Although not blood, they had his heart from the moment they met. Wes had a number of precious nieces and nephews Brad, Cindy, Greg, Sam, Brad, Jared, Jay, Stacy, Missy, Emily, Erica, Ethan, Andrea, Cody, Alex, Skylar, Michael and Michelle.

He leaves behind a host of friends including several lifelong friends Gary Miller, John Haley, Jim Rice, Mark Pearson and Gary Gaines. His family thanks you all and so many more for the friendship.

A special thank you is extended to our family physician Dr. Thomas Moore, M.D., Dr. Werner Schneider, D.D.S., and especially to friend and oncologist Dr. Konstantinos Arnaoutakis, M.D. (and nurse China) of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute where Wes was a patient for the past three years.

Special thanks also to Dr. Charles and Elizabeth Clogston and Dr. Don and Ann Kusenberger, Bob and Susan Whisnant, Bridget Weiss and so many others for their loving assistance on Wes' homecoming day. There are no words to express our appreciation.

Visitation for Wes and his family will be held at the Roller Chenal Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. A celebration of his life will be held at St. James United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Shadowlawn Cemetery in Malvern.

Honorary pallbearers include Steve Rowell, Mike Ryburn, Bob Whisnant, Don Kusenberger, and Russ Meeks. Pallbearers include Brad Moore, Greg Moore, Sam Higginbotham, Michael Brand, Ethan Knight and Cody Staley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212 or Twentieth Century Club, 4011 Maryland Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204.


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23 Condolence(s)
Debbi and Bob Buckalew
,
Liked
Monday, November 6, 2017

We were so sad to hear that Wes had passed away. Glad to know that he had some wonderful time with his grandchildren.

Bobbie Harvin
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 20, 2017

I worked with Wes at Dillards I was not in his department but his office was close & we had some very good conversations. He was a very good man & the world is not as bright without him.

The Caspers
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 20, 2017

Dear Kim and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and care during this difficult time.

Paul Parker
Georgetown, TX
Liked
Thursday, October 19, 2017

Kim and family- Mary Kay and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Wes's passing. I have always been grateful to Wes for introducing me to Mary Kay 47 years ago. We considered Wes to be a great friend and are sad we didn't do a better job of staying in touch with you guys when we moved to Texas. Please know you are in our prayers.

Paul Parker
Georgetown, TX
Liked
Thursday, October 19, 2017

Kim and family- Mary Kay and I are shocked and saddened to learn of Wes's passing. I have always been so grateful to Wes for being the one to introduce me to Mary Kay 47 years ago. We considered Wes a great friend and we are so sad we didn't do a better job of staying in touch with you guys after we moved to Texas. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Jim Hunter Birch
Dallas, TX
Liked
Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Kim,
My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to you and your family. Wes was a special kind of gentleman. I will miss his wit and kindness. Charla and I are praying for you. Jim.

Ann Dillard
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 18, 2017

I was so sorry to hear about Wes. I worked with him for years at Dillard's and he was always go great to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Cathy Cheatham Tackett
Benton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Dear Kim..As I read this tears streamed down my face and my heart is just breaking for you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Julie Preddy
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 17, 2017

I went through school with Wes, from Jackson Elementary to LR Hall. Such a smart & kind fellow, I am very sorry to hear this news. Warmest condolences to Kim, his children, family & close friends.

Belinda Cates Ratliff
Carthage, TX
Liked
Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Kim, I am so sorry for your loss and please know that I am praying for comfort during the difficult days ahead.

Martha and Rudy Milian
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Liked
Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Kim, we were so very saddened to learn the news about Wes. He was such a wonderful man and the two of you seemed so inseparable. Our heartfelt condolences to David, Daniel and you.

Ilah Cypert Herndon
Carlsbad, CA
Liked
Tuesday, October 17, 2017

I was Miss Cypert when I taught Wes in the third grade at Jackson Elementary School. I was always so impressed with his ability and thought that he would really be successful in his chosen career, whatever it would be. His mother and I became good friends. I, of course, lost touch with him over the years and was sorry to see his obituary in the paper. It appears that he fulfilled his dreams, had a very successful life, and accomplished many things. So sorry for your loss.

Deborah Dynek
Pensacola, FL
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

Kim,

I am so sorry to hear about Wes. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Steve and Martha Walker
Royal, AR
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

Kim, we are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Wes. Please know that our prayers are with Daniel, David and you. Steve and Martha.

Kristi Youngdahl
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

I am so sorry for the family. I graduated with Wes, at Hall! I did not know him real well, but seemed real nice. Too many people, are leaving us, too early.

Angela M. Sewall
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

I remember teaching Wes at Hall High School many years ago. What a wonderful person he was then and what a fine person he was throughout his life. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. May you find strength and be comforted in your loss.

Karen Krenz Miller
Houston, AR
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

The world certainly seems dimmer with the loss of this wonderful person. I have been lucky enough to have known Wes since junior high and over the years seeing Wes and Kim always been a joy. What I will remember the most about Wes is his genuine kindness that came straight from the heart. He was a loyal and incredible friend and is one of those rare people that you knew could always be counted on no matter what. Thinking of your family with love and prayers.

Christine Cobb Tallant
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

Dear Kim, So grieved to read of your loss. Condolences to you and your family for the death of your beloved Wes. May Heavenly Father give your family the peace that surpasses all understanding at this time.

Margaret Zimmerman Braun
Pottstown, PA
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

Kim, although we have not seen each other in years, I kept up with you through Kenneth until his passing but I always remembered you and your kindness and friendship.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband but am so glad of the wonderful life you had with him and the love and devotion you shared with each other.

I pray God's peace and comfort to you and your family during this time.

Janet Hartz
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

Dear Kim,
I’m very sorry to learn of your loss of Wes. Surely you will find comfort and peace in your faith and prayerful support of family and friends .
Hugs and love,
Janet

Jim Malcolm
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, October 16, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear about Wes and to read that he has been dealing with this insidious disease for approximately 3 years. Wes and I were old high school friends and played many a basketball game with other friends - I am lucky to have known him and renewed contact with him recently on FB. Sincere condolences to his family, his other friends... and cheers to a great life surrounded by loved ones!

Sandy Byrd
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 15, 2017

I am so very sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around this entire family and bless them with peace and strength.

Sandy Byrd
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 15, 2017

I am so very sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around this entire family and bless them with peace and strength.