of Marshall, AR
September 24, 1923 - September 8, 2018
Heaven has welcomed one of Searcy County's finest as Jimmie W. Sanders has departed this life to join his Lord and Savior and his precious Kathleen. Although Jimmie's almost 95 years would seem like ample time on this earth, those who knew and loved him would always wish for just one more day. Kathleen's death in 2016 left Jimmie in a world that he no longer embraced, for Kathleen was Jimmie's world. He honored the vows he made to Kathleen over a 69 year span of marriage to cherish her in sickness and health, never once regretting even for a minute the monumental sacrifice it took on his part to care for her. He was more than ready to leave this life of limitations in exchange for an eternal life that knew no pain or heartache.
Jimmie was a man of humble character, a loving man who took pride in all aspects of his life, but none more than his love for God and family. He delighted in his grandchildren, and took enormous pride in the ''greats'' in his life. Jimmie and Kathleen's presence in their grandchildren's lives has left a legacy of love, respect and work ethic. His stories will be remembered and re-told by everyone lucky enough to hear and witness his delivery and special effects of all kinds of tall tales. However, no one will be able to tell those tales like he could.
Jimmie served in World War II as a U.S. Army Air Force aerial gunner on a B-26 Marauder bomber, participating in more than 30 missions over Germany. His determination and survival skills were tested to new limits as he and the crew bailed out of their damaged aircraft, not certain if they would land behind enemy lines. The pilot did not survive the crash. Jimmie's parachute lodged him in a tree. As he was trying to free himself, he spotted a man approaching him. Assuming that he was the enemy, Jimmie drew his gun, ready to protect himself. To his great relief, in spite of language barriers, he quickly learned that the man was a French resident who was happy to free Jimmie from the tree and help reunite him with the other crew members. Jimmie was recently honored by the Searcy County Veterans Memorial Association with a Quilt of Valor in commemoration of his service to our country.
Returning to civilian life at the end of the war, he met and married Kathleen Horton on July 3, 1947. They made their home in Marshall where they lived their entire lives. In the early years, Jimmie raised strawberries, helping to contribute to Marshall becoming the strawberry capital of the world. In subsequent years, he and his brother Charlie expanded their strawberry business into buying and selling tomatoes. They had packing sheds in Marshall, Indiana and Texas. Jimmie also raised cattle throughout the years. He also served on the board of directors of the Arkansas Farmer's Union Advisory Board and Arkansas Farmer's Union Insurance.
Jimmie William Sanders was born September 24, 1923 in Zack, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Holloway and Maude Brown Sanders; a sister, Hazel, brothers, Frank, Charlie and Claude; the love of his life, Kathleen Horton Sanders; and their infant son, Ricky. Jimmie departed this life on Saturday, September 8, 2018.
Jimmie is survived by his sons, Jimmie Terrill (Betty) Sanders of Marshall and Roy Gene (Jackie) Sanders of Little Rock; grandchildren, Jason (Rachel) Sanders, Kelli (Tennie) Sanders, James (Amanda) Sanders, William (Lauren) Sanders, Molly (Gene) Adams, and Stephen (Ellie) Sanders; great-grandchildren, Casey (Joey) Johnson, Allie, Thomas, Garrett, Caroline, Grayson, Luke, James William and Emily Sanders; and two brothers, Troy (Thelda) Sanders and David (Rosetta) Sanders.
Jimmie was a Christian man and a member of the First Baptist Church in Marshall, where he served as secretary/treasurer for many years until his health no longer permitted. Searcy County has lost one of the last of ''the greatest generation.'' If Jimmie could tell us now, he would stress that what made his generation great was a love of God, love of family, love of this country and love and respect for one another. Those are the principles he lived by. Farewell Jimmie W. You made such a difference in so many lives.
Funeral services for Jimmie will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Shirl Williams and Bro. Eddie Ragsdale officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in the Chapel. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Jason Sanders, Kelli Sanders, James Sanders, William Sanders, Molly Sanders Adams and Stephen Sanders.
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19 Condolence(s)
Christopher M Lloyd
Friday, February 8, 2019
Just paying my respect.... My Grandfathers name was Claude Sanders ‘LD’ not sure of relation, but thank you for granted me a smile and good cry. Sincerely C.M. Lloyd....
Phyllis Terrill Coleman
Friday, October 19, 2018
Jimmie Terrill & Roy Gene, I was so sorry to hear the news about Uncle Abner. We knew about Aunt Katy and had been wondering about him. I have many wonderful memories of our visits to your house when I was younger. Lum and Abner are flying together again! We still miss daddy, but at least we will always have their stories to make us smile. If you are ever in the Tulsa area, I would love to visit with you!
Love, Phyllis
Jennifer Coleman-McCreary
Thursday, October 18, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Abner flew in the war with my Papaw, Jimmy Terrill. He was a special friend of the entire family, and definatley a hero to all. I know that not only did Kathleen greet him at heaven's gate, but my Papaw and Uncle Cecil met him as well. Thoughts and prayers to you family.
Bev Treat
Friday, September 14, 2018
You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Sorry for your lost. Your mom and dad were such a blessing to me and my children. I really learned a lot working on Saturday cleaning and helping your mom for 12 years. Such a woman and man of God that I truly loved. May God give you all the strength and love you need to get through this time of sorry.
Jim Hargis
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Sorry to read of your dad’s passing . Remember he and your mother from times at your house . Rest in peace
Jerry L. Horton
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
I have know Jim my entire life. I never saw him when he didn’t have something to say. I was around him when he raised strawberries, when he graded tomatoes and he was always in Church. He will forever be in my thoughts.
Nancy Jones
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Sorry for your loss. Jimmie was a wonderful man. Whenever I saw him he would always have a story to tell about him and my dad growing up. He always made me feel special . I will miss his laugh and story telling. He will be missed by many that knew him.
Blessings to the family
Kenneth and Janet Rainbolt
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
We were so sorry to hear of Jimmie passing. He was a good christian man and will be missed. Look to God for strenght during this sad time.
Tonya Bazany
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Mr. Sanders passing has left me with a heavy heart but I know he’s with his beloved Kathleen. Gone but never forgotten...it was an honor to have had you in my life 💙
Sharon Joslin, Searcy Co. Veterans Service Officer
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Recently Jimmie was honored with a Quilt of Valor. Not only was his an outstanding veteran, but a man in service of others throughout his life. He was a blessing to our community.
Holly & John Kemp
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
I'm so sorry for everyone's loss. We all will miss you. You are the sweetest most loving gentleman ever there was. Thank you so much for your service you are a hero inside & out. Give Kathleen a hug for us all. Bless you dear man and your family. We all will miss you.
Joetta (Hudson) Shaffer
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad but so happy he is with your Mom and they are both rejoicing with Jesus. Jimmie Terrill and Roy Gene just want you to know how much joy I feel when I remember all the fun great times we had when we were little. Janith and I thought of your Mom and Dad as our second parents. Your Dad just warmed our hearts with laughter. They both were so so special but I am sure you already know that. I will keep you both and your families in my prayers and I love you all. Joetta
Danny & Patti Bohannon
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Prayers for peace and acceptance. Jimmy was a truly sweet man and his presence will be greatly missed!
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Monday, September 10, 2018
I always counted Jimmy a true friend. So sorry for your loss. Jimmy will be missed around Marshall.
Jackie Baker Presley
Monday, September 10, 2018
I always felt like part of the family in his presence. Always happy and letting us kids do whatever we wanted. A great legacy for the Sanders family to follow. Be encouraged! Celebrate his life! He’s in the presence of Jesus!
Don and Carolyn Hough
Monday, September 10, 2018
So sorry to hear that Jimmy has passed ! Jimmy was my cousin on my mothers side !! Great man !! Will be sadly missed !!! Rest In Peace!!!
Darryl Treat
Monday, September 10, 2018
My condolence to all the family! We are all in debt to World War II Service members like Mr. Sanders! Farewell from one bomber crew member to another!
Darryl Treat
Donna Cash and Family
Monday, September 10, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers a with you all.
Jerry & Louise Horton
Monday, September 10, 2018
With our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts & prayers
for God’s peace & comfort.