of Center Ridge, AR
August 20, 1939 - February 2, 2021
James Arthur Koonce, 81, of Center Ridge, Arkansas, passed from this life on February 2, 2021. He was born in Golden, Colorado, on August 20, 1939, to James and Mary (Wade) Koonce. They moved to Kansas and ended up in Arkansas where, James married Tennie Edna Allen and moved to Oklahoma.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
James enlisted in the United States Army. After his enlistment from the Army he returned to Arkansas and met his wife, they moved to Oklahoma where he entered his life-long profession of firefighting and emergency responding where he reached the rank of Captain in the Tulsa Fire Department. Upon retirement he and Tennie returned to Arkansas to be near family. They settled in the town of Choctaw, Arkansas. He became very active with volunteer the fire department and assisted with training. James started a new career in heating and air and appliance repair. Many years later they moved to Center Ridge, Arkansas and became active member of the First Baptist Church of Center Ridge, assisting with building, maintenance and maintaining the lawn and premises.
Those celebrating his memory are his wife of the home, Tennie Edna Koonce; his daughter, Judy Carson of Austin, Arkansas; his son, James "Pete" Koonce of Moyock, North Carolina ; his stepdaughters, Lisa Linville of Clinton, Arkansas and Teresa Ward of Guy, Arkansas; many grand and great-grandchildren; his brothers, Allen Koonce of Garfield, Arkansas and Clifford Koonce of Kingsland, Georgia; his sister, Mary Lee Waldo of Haines City, Florida; along with a host of other family and friends.
A visitation for Jim will be from 1:00 pm - 2:00pm, Saturday, February 6, 2021 and a funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm, both at Roller McNutt Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton, Arkansas. Interment will be at Plant Cemetery following the service.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 66 percent of facility capacity at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.
To express online condolences please visit www.rollerfunerlahomes.com/clinton
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17 Condolence(s)
Lisa and Donny Linville
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Grief is the last act of Love we can give to the one we lost so where there is deep Grief,there was also great Love.Jim will missed but also remembered in our heart.
Annette Rickard
Saturday, February 6, 2021
It's sad to see that another of my CSVTS class of 1957 has passed away, I remember Jimmy as being a really fun guy, and serious too. I'm glad we had our time together in the last class at CSVTS. It's also amazing to see we were born just a few months apart and 50 miles apart, Golden and Arvada, Colo. The last time we saw each other was at a class reunion. He had an interesting life and I know his family will miss him.
Jerel & Kathleen Brown
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Tennie and family, So sorry to hear the sad news about Jim. Have great memories of you and Jim. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
DeAnn Roach
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Thinking of you during the difficult time and sending prayers!
Linda and William Waldo
Friday, February 5, 2021
Lord I pray for Jim's Family and friends. God Be with each and every one of them in this time of sadness. Just remember he is in a much better place. He was loved by all that new him.
Sandra Hurst
Friday, February 5, 2021
Prayers to our family for the loss of our lived one. Rest in peace dear cousin
Dennis and Peggy Card
Friday, February 5, 2021
Our prayers are with the family over the loss of there loved one. We had a lot of fun socializing with Ken and Tina both in Arkansas and South Texas he will Be missed
Sammy and Karen Lee
Friday, February 5, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Vickie Boman Hoffman
Thursday, February 4, 2021
I was just thinking about Jim and his family not very long ago, my dad would take me to visit my cousins and I always enjoyed my visits..my dad would tell me that Jim could fix just about anything and how much he admired him..I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers and condolences go out to all the Koonce family..
Allen and Tamie Aday
Thursday, February 4, 2021
So sorry to hear about Jim.He was one of a kind. always willing to help in anyway.He has came and fixed lots of things for us and would always say now if you need me just call .Very sweet man.
Allison Sledge
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Oh Judy, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I know the feeing all to well. I pray you find peace and comfort in the days to come as well as the entire family. Cherish the memories you have my friend. Love ya!
Kay Boman-Harvey
Thursday, February 4, 2021
May Jim Rest In Peace and rise in glory. I have many memories of the family during their time in Tulsa.
Keith Norman
Thursday, February 4, 2021
My deepest condolences to Jim's entire family. He sure made a big difference in my life 🌹
Helen& Andy Roberts
Thursday, February 4, 2021
To a wonderful Cousin who will be missed so much hugs and love .
Teresa & Glen Perciful
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Prayers for your family in your time of loss.
Hershel Bryant Jr
Thursday, February 4, 2021
I am so sorry for the family. Jim was a good Godly man. I know because we talked often. Jim loved his family so much. He would always say that I had better not tell his wife what he would tell me. He loved her so much. His children were his pride and joy. Jim was so proud of them and what they had accomplished in life. His face would lite up when Jim talked about his grandchildren.
I will miss the golf games and fellowship with Jim. I am proud to have known Jim and call him my friend and brother. Rest In Peace my friend.
Linda Cox Still
Thursday, February 4, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss.Prayers are with you and family at this time.