of Southside, AR
March 13, 1956 - October 24, 2021
James George (J.G.) Regnier, 65, passed away October 24, 2021.
He was born March 13, 1956, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Dr. George and Betty (Bronson) Regnier.
J.G. graduated from Hall High School in Little Rock 1974, served with the Arkansas Army National Guard, and completed his college education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He had a servant's heart and carried the message of recovery far and wide.
J.G. had been in private practice since 2001 with Counseling and Psychology Services in Little Rock. He has been in the substance abuse field treating co-occurring disorders since 1988. He also provided Clinical Supervision in various settings both in person and long distance in Arkansas for substance abuse and mental health programs that specialized in co-occurring disorders. He held the following credentials: LADAC, AADC, CCS, DCS, SAP, PRSS. He also obtained the second highest trainer credential at the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) at Atlanta, Georgia in October of 2014.
He served as Vice-President of the Arkansas Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (AAADAC) for three terms, two terms on the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB) and was appointed to serve on the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council for an unprecedented three consecutive terms as an at-large member.
Survivors include his wife, Billie (Grady) Regnier of the home; one stepson, William Hardison (Melinda) of Troy, Missouri; mother-in-law, Jetta Grady of Southside, one brother, John Regnier (Katie) of Wilmette, Illinois; as well as several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Tom Regnier; and one sister, Janie Regnier.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 29, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville with Harry ''Bub'' Branton and Jay Lowry officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Stepping Stones, 62 Oak Rd., Katonah, NY., 10536 or online at https://www.steppingstones.org/support/donate-now
I miss ya JG!
I was saddened to discover today that JG had passed away last year. My blessings and prayers for his family on his birthday.
Remembering you on your birthday JG. Prayers for the family.
I met JG in 1991 at Reservoir. Over the years he was one I could always count on to help me or others if there was any way he could. I and countless people have benefited from his experience, strength, and hope. Rest easy my friend…
JG was a remarkable man, friend, and trainer. In working at Mid-America ATTC, I had the privilege of contracting JG’s consulting and training services in Arkansas. His enthusiasm for evidence-based counseling practices — particularly Motivational Interviewing and clinical supervision — dispelled any doubt that good clinical practice makes a difference in guiding people to a life of recovery. Please accept my condolences and know that JG made a BIG difference in those he counseled and trained.
JG was a great man who changed a lot of lives. I feel privileged to know him and learn from him.
The day I found out that J. G. had passed away, I felt like I had been "gut punched." I was in complete shock. I first met J.G. when he was the Director of The Log House, a treatment facility in west Little Rock, in the late 80's, I'm guessing. It was a struggling facility and I always admired his dedication to helping the women who were residents there. I had a great deal of respect for J.G. and his "by the book" recovery program. It was wonderful to see how his career took off and he became one of the most respected professionals in the recovery community. I often referred to him as the "guru of recovery in Arkansas." He was a great listener and always willing to help anyone. When he established his own practice he told me he would never turn anyone away for lack of money to pay . He was admired, envied and loved by many. There is a huge void left by his passing.
Ann Church
October 28, 2021
I'm glad to know that you are finally at peace. I had no ideas that the Friday before would be the last time that I ever got to speak to you. I'm glad that you made time to speak with me even though it was way outside your normal hours. You will never know the impact that you had on my life and I will never forgot that you are one of the biggest reasons that I am still sober today. Thank you JG and may you rest in peace.
I believe Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.
Synchronicity are the events that led me to spend an afternoon with JG and Brad on Saturday October 23rd.
I came to Mountain Home Arkansas to be with my mother after her husband died on October 12th. I was going to meetings at the Twin Lakes Fellowship Club. I was invited to a Concepts Workshop that Saturday. By God given fortune, JG, Billie and Brad drove to that district to selflessly give us their time.
In doing so, JG fanned the smoldering uncertain fire of service that has been thrust my way. The fire Burns bright after meeting JG and Brad! In the following days, I’ve asked God and he is solidifying my call to service. God put me with JG for that purpose.
In JG’s final hours he was living in service to others. There is much more to this story. Believe me when I say those few hours with JG are pivotal in my life. He has so positively affected countless. Leaving this life it will continue to grow. I’m one of the many!
Billie, thank you dearly for your sacrifice and letting us experience his Love.
My life is so much better having met him!
As I trudge the road to happy destiny he lives in my Heart.
In Fellowship,
Eric Carson
Dear JG’s Family and Friends: Please accept my sincerest condolences. I am asking The Holy Spirit, to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy down over you all, like warm honey. Blessings! Libbie. (A Friend of Bill’s and JG’s!)
JG was the voice on the phone when no one else would answer. He was the voice of reason in so much darkness. Over 40 years — from SAE parties at Rhodes when we were all happy and carefree, to the life struggles that creeped up on us and our loved ones. He was constant and consistent. I am heartbroken. But that heartbreak is overridden by thankfulness. God speed and everlasting peace. ♥ï¸
Only God knows how many people you were and will continue to be a positive influence. You were a positive example in the recovery community and an excellent mentor to those who asked you to guide us through the process of being certified and licensed. You willed be missed by many , me being one of them. Love you my friend.
It could be weeks, months, but when ever I saw him it was Always a Big smile on his face, a Hug, and how are you! He really made you feel he cared and took time for you. He was a straight shooter! A great man and will be miss. He helped me more than he’ll ever know!
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all of them that love his appearing" (2Timothy 4:7-8 KIV). "Well done they good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23 KIV).
Rest in Love our dear J.G.
Rest in Peace my friend, missed but never forgotten. Until we meet againâ¤ï¸ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸ðŸ™
You will be sorely missed. I treasure the experiences and conversations we shared. But your spirit will still be alive with us when anyone anywhere shares a message you gave them. Never for gotten. Never forsaken. Rest in peace my friend and may eternal light shine upon you.
We knew each other a long time old friend and in that time you touched a lot of lives in a very positive way. I’ll be looking and hope I see you on the other side. Rest easy my brother.
He is an inspiration to us all
I knew JG for over 30 years. During that time, we became close friends. I usually found myself taking the open seat next to him before meetings so we could talk and catch up. He had an informed and knowledgeable opinion of things that were important to both of us.
His humor could be biting. His warm heart and gravelly voice always commanded respect.
Few gave as much of themselves to service work as he did.
Many owe their changed lives to his unselfish sharing to those who were suffering.
Thank you JG for your service. Rest In Peace now….
JG and I were 10 days apart in recovery and exactly 10 years apart in age. We walked through many a “new†adventure together! I’m so at a loss for my close recovery partner! Prayers for his family!
Thank you for being a part of my recovery journey!!! You will be deeply missed my friend... Till we meet again! 💜🤗 Love you BIG BIG
I will miss you buddy -the man with a big heart and a big laugh .we served together at the general service conference panel 59 .thank you for all you’ve done -for everybody’s lives you touched- you made a big difference you spread a lot of love around -later quinn☕ï¸ðŸ™
Even though I have known J.G. just a short time, I found he was a leader in Arkansas in the substance use field and was a mentor and friend to many in the fight against addiction. He will be missed but God has a better place for him.
May you Rest In Peace
JG was a staple in the Treatment Community for many years. It saddens me to hear of his passing. May his soul rest in peace and may his family find comfort in the knowledge that JG meant so much to so many people. Thank you for sharing him with us all.
My heart ⤠is saddened, you will truly be missed 💔 😢
Billie... we are so sorry for your loss. Was friends w/ JG since Jr Hi.. spent a lot of time at his house in Hi School.. lots of great memories. On top of that, he helped my younger brother with his drug/alcohol problem. May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you comfort and Peace. JG, I love you, brother and will miss you.
J.G was a blessing to many people he will be greatly missed..
I will miss JG, a great friend and mentor.
Rest in peace JG
A treasure that will continue to live in all the lives he touched. God has brought home one of his soldiers.
Rest in love and peace JG
J.G. was a lifetime friend. We were SAE Fraternity brothers in college. He escorted my fiance, Donna, to homecoming at Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College). One of my groomsmen, J.G. made a great event a profoundly spectacular one; especially by taking care to get me to and from my bachelor's party. I last saw J.G. in 2011and shared a few special moments with him understanding how he had matured into a statewide and national leader. We are all so much better people, who have enjoyed life to the fullest, because of the wit, warmth and true gentlemanly nature of J.G. I know that he will do very well on the other side, in the SAE Chapter Eternal. Phi Alpha Brother Regnier!!
Rest in Peace JG
JG and our Rhodes days will always be remembered fondly. What an incredible impact he made and such a rich legacy he leaves to live on in the hearts of everyone he touched.
JG was the first person in recovery to speak to me. In1988 at a Brown Bag Mtg at WS, my first mtg. I sat as far in the back as possible doing my best to be invisible. There was one seat behind me and JG was sitting in it. He leaned forward and whispered. “Are you scared†I nodded. He said, “We all were.†In that brief encounter I became a part of the WE and am eternally grateful. Save some seats at the Big Meeting for us JG. We’ll see you there, willing to serve. God bless you Billie and may you feel the love pouring your way.
J.G. and family -
As we just spoke on 9/30 at the Fall AAADAC Workshop and we recalled memories and accomplishments and life/career experiences - much gratitude to time spent together learning and sharing. The years have shown you to be valiant and dedicated. J.G. you were a shinning light on earth and will be a burst of light on your new path - bless you in your peaceful journey forward- - in long-standing friendship RJ
Thanks for all your help JG, You will be missed my friend.
JG was a pioneer in the field of substance abuse counseling in Arkansas and his passing will impact his family, friends, clients and the State of Arkansas for years to come. My heart and prayers go out to J.G.'s family.
A great loss, JG was a wonderful man.
Our prayers go out to the J.G. Family. Sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Thanks for you service. RIP
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your passing . Such a nice guy and inspirational to many . Remember you well from meetings in NLR .
My condolences to the family you left behind .
JG, I can’t imagine the world without you here. You are so missed. Rest in love my good friend.
Our days at Rhodes College were precious to remember; JG will be missed by many.
You are missed JG. I am glad that I was blessed with your friendship. You helped a lot of people thru the years and your absence is felt. My condolences Billie. You and your family are in my prayers.
JG was a very special friend to our family and we are all glad we saw him last month. JG helped so, so many and was so loved and appreciated. With him gone there will be a big void in the recovery world. Billie and all that loved him I hope you’ll find strength through your faith, family and friends. And comfort from wonderful memories.
JG, Thank you for all your did for our family, we are so grateful to have had you in our life. We love you, Ted, Will, Cathy and Kevin Crass
A true friend to so many!
Words will never express the respect and appreciation I have for J.G. and the countless lives he, personally, has had a hand in changing with the gift of sobriety. Fly high in Heaven sweet friend.
Thank you for showing me how much one person can be on fire for God and recovery!! You have been such a blessing in my laugh. Till we meet again my dear friend 🥰🥰🥰
My heart is so heavy for the family. J.G was my current supervisor! Since I met him he has been nothing but authentic and helpful and always pushed me in career goals. We lost a great man, but God gained a angel.
To the family of JG Regnier. I’ve known JG for about 25 years. I was the Administrator of the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board, and met JG then. He loved the addiction recovery field, and dedicated his life to serve those with various addictions. JG taught many classes dealing with addiction as well as mental health issues. I don’t know anyone in the state who did not know JG. He was loved by many. May he Rest In Peace â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»
Rest In Peace old friend.
Great man and Great friend. He was always there when I needed help. JG touched a lot of lives. He's to big for words. He will be missed
James George Regnier, rest in peace! I'll see you again one day...
JG i already know your forwarding address my dear friend & one day in my future we will meet again in the big meeting in the sky as the old timers used to say. Always a smile. Thank you JG
For helping me stay sober. Love you Brother
On of God's children gone home.
J.G. helped many suffering folks in his lifetime. Now he can rest in peace .
Thank God for your service to others.
Such a kind,caring and giving servant of God. JG will be missed by me and so many others. My thoughts and prayers to the family as you grieve your loss. ðŸ™ðŸ™
J.G. my old friend may you rest in peace in the kingdom forever. You have helped so many folks and will be dearly missed. I love you.
I was blessed to have known JG, if only for a short time. He was full of wisdom, strength and hope. He will be missed.
J.G. was a great man and mentor. You will be missed and I have been blessed to have called you my friend and supervisor. A great pioneer of your time. Gone way too soon. My heart goes out to all of your friends and family and may you soar with your beautiful wings that God has given you. Your work here on earth is complete.
A dear Friend and wonderful sponsor. A man who walked with me through every good and tragic event in my life for the past 18 Yrs. The most recent was my wife’s death!Billie I am so sorry! May God walk with you every step of the way. He will!! With heartfelt sorrow. Glenn Dunahay
You will truly be missed my friend.
JG had an positive influence on and helped so many people. I loved him and was grateful for him. He will be missed
A true leader, mentor, friend, colleague, trailblazer in the field of substance abuse treatment. His loss Is tragic for so many of us. I offer prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the family.