of Searcy, AR
August 8, 1933 - February 20, 2017
James Carroll ''Jim'' Christian, 83, died February 20, 2017, at Unity Health in Searcy.
Jim was born August 8, 1933, in Fayetteville to the late C.D. and Margaret Christian. He was a member of the Searcy High School graduating class of 1951. Jim married Jamie Neaville of Griffithville, July 5, 1958. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Searcy, where he served as both a Deacon and an Elder. Jim served the Lord doing behind-the-scenes tasks like mowing the church grounds for over 40 years, and his former Pastor Dennis Bennett said, ''he quietly did a jillion little things for a lot of people.''
After graduating from Harding College, Jim coached and taught for 30 years in the Marked Tree, Griffithville, and Searcy Public Schools, and was commonly known as ''Coach Christian.'' He was a member of the Arkansas High School Coaches Association for 30 years. He also was a member of the Arkansas Officials Association and officiated high school football for 42 years. Jim was an avid golfer and played at both River Oaks and Searcy Country Club. He taught junior golf at the Searcy Golf Club and was President of the Tri-County Senior Golf Association for 14 years. Always a sports enthusiast, Jim was active in the White County Razorback Club as well as being a member of the Razorback Alumni Association. Jim faithfully followed and cheered for the Searcy Lions, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jim loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jamie, of the home; four daughters: Neaville Ann Herndon (Charles) of Baltimore, Md.; Mary Margaret Painter (John) of Maryville, Tenn.; Caroline Gairhan (John) of Cabot; and Catherine Williams (Todd) of Jonesboro; eight grandchildren: Christian Williams, Julia Gairhan, Jackson Painter, Adam Williams, J.P. Gairhan, Shelby Herndon, David Painter, and Cal Herndon; and one brother, Don Christian, of Little Rock.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Oakdale Nursing Home in Judsonia for their loving care and kindness. For lasting memories, the family asks that you consider First Presbyterian Church, Searcy or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 25, at 11 a.m. to celebrate Jim's life in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Arch, Searcy. A reception/visitation follows the service in the fellowship hall. There will be a private burial. Arrangements are being made by Roller Daniel Funeral Home, with Reverend Kade Curry officiating. Honorary pallbearers are the Men's Fellowship of the First Presbyterian Church. Active pallbearers are Charles Herndon, John Painter, John Gairhan, and Todd Williams, his sons-in-law.
Neaville Ann & Family -
I am so sad to hear of your father's passing. He was such a sweet man and I have so many fond childhood memories playing at your house. Hugs to all.
I have such fond memories of Coach Christian when we worked at SWMS! He was such a kind, positive, and caring man. God bless you, Coach. Prayers of comfort for your family.
Mary Margaret and family: my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Your dad was a great role model for many of us and touched so many lives. Praying for today and many days ahead.
Mary Margaret, my deepest sympathies are with you and your family. I remember your father as a wonderful part of the Searcy School System Athletics department. He was a wonderful man and I know he will be missed.
Mary Margaret and family - I was sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. May God comfort and bless you always.
Kim Mathis Donna
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Mary Margaret. Your dad stood up for me one time at SWMS when no one else would. I'll never forget it. May God hold your family in His mighty hands during this painful time.
I have many fond memories of Coach. He was loved by many.
2 Corinthians 13:14
We are sorry to hear of Coach Christian's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mrs. Christian, Neaville Ann, Mary Margaret, Catherine, and Caroline,
Todd and I were saddened to learn of Coach Christian's passing. As you know, we experienced this a little over a year ago, and despite knowing that there is a better place free of pain, the time we had never seems quite long enough. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we recall the difference this man made in our lives as he did in the lives of many.
Much love,
Todd and Wendy Hannah
My condolence goes to the family for your lose. My prayers also goes to the family. Being one of students and players it saddens me to here of his passing. He was a great teacher and coach.
My thoughts and prayers to your family Coach was and will always be one of my favorite teachers he will be missed by everyone our friendship carried even after I graduated he was always with a smile Randy Collins
Many thoughts and prayers for your family.
Much love, Mike & Leigh Anne
Dear Mary Margaret and all, very sorry to hear of this. Will pray that you find lots of joy and laughter these next days and weeks as you celebrate his life. Sending hugs from afar. Lynn
Sending my love and sympathy to all the Christian girls. What a wonderful influence he was on so many kids, both on the field and off.
Jamie and family.
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim. I remember as a child all the ballgames he called with dad, Bill Bradford and Denver Reed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike & Bridget Bradford
So very sorry for your loss. Coach was a positive influence on many young people, including me.
So sorry for the loss of Coach. He was a great person. And Ms Jamie is so sweet also. Heaven pulled home a Cornerstone.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember the coach and i'd like you to know he was someone that I really respected in school. I am sorry for your loss and I pray that our lord watch over you.