of Harrison, AR
December 30, 1937 - October 19, 2021
James "Jim" Bryant passed from this life and into the arms of his LORD and SAVIOR on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. He was born December 30, 1937, in Harmon, Arkansas, to Charles Norman and Martha Belle (Buna) Roberts Bryant. He was a 1956 graduate of Harrison High School. James married Virginia Lee Younes in 1958 and they had three children. They were married for 58 years until her passing in 2016. James remarried in 2018 to Carolyn Wood Healea until his passing.
James was a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University where he majored in Theology and minored in English (which made him a formidable opponent at Scrabble). James lived a life of service. After a short time in the Army Reserve and his employment with Claridge Products, God called him into the ministry. James devoted his life to spreading the teachings and love of Jesus Christ. He, along with his family, ministered in several congregations where he touched the lives of many. In addition to his ministry, he also served as a school bus driver for many years, most recently with the Harrison School district. Even when his health wasn't the best, James was constantly on the go taking part in church ministries and activities within the local senior community, as well as keeping up with his growing family.
James didn't know how to slow down and rest until his body made him. Even then, he wanted to get up and do something. James was not only a skilled orator but he was also blessed with the gift of singing. Give him a guitar and he would draw you into song. He loved the old gospel songs and hymns but would throw in some Hank Williams every now and then. One of his favorite roles in life was being a father, grandfather, and later a great-grandfather. He was always there to listen and offer sound advice, give comfort, or a stern talking-to when needed. Little things like: "Whatcha know, kiddo?", jars of peanuts in every vehicle, playing classical music, hard candies on the counter, his infectious smile and laugh, and the best back scratches will be greatly missed.
Along with his parents, James was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia (Younes) Bryant; his brother-in-law, Vernon Patton; and his sister-in-law, Janet Younes.
James is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughters and sons-in-law, Shauna and Dan Garrison of Houston, Texas and Sandra and O. D. Chaney, Jr. of Harrison; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kandi Bryant, of Bennett, Colorado; three step-children and their spouses, Donna and Jim Blackwell of Harrison, Robbie and Sabrina Healea of Lead Hill, and Ricky and Sara Healea of Bentonville, Arkansas.
James is also survived by ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley Patton, of Harrison; his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Bettie Bryant, of Aztec, New Mexico; his brothers and sisters-in-law of his late wife's family; a multitude of nieces and nephews; and the many precious friends that he met along his journey of life.
The funeral service was 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Dr. James D. Bryant and Bro. Ron Malone officiating.
Visitation was one hour prior to the Service. Interment is in Maplewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Nathaniel Hamrick, Jacob Bryant, Phillip Chaney, Matthew Garrison, Derek Jones, Luke Burks, Erfan Lumbangoal, and Nathan Wise.
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15 Condolence(s)
Russell Fleetwood
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Deepest condolences to the family. I knew Pastor Jim from his time at First Baptist in Seneca Mo.
Jerry Martin
Friday, October 29, 2021
Brother Jim was an inspiration to me. I will never forget the long talks we had about the bible. I will miss you dearly.
Betty Younes watson
Friday, October 29, 2021
My condolences to Carolyn and all the family in James’ going to his forever home. He will be remembered with many good memories of a good brother- in- law. He was always a solid rock of faith and service of his Lord. I will miss him and look forward to meeting again in heaven. Peace and comfort I wish for all his loved ones.
Sherree Hutcherson
Friday, October 29, 2021
My sympathy to all Rev. Jim Bryant's family. I remember growing up with Shauna, Sandy and Mark at OBC were Pastor Bryant served. I know you will miss him so very much! My parents always enjoyed your parents company & friendship, and we were so lucky to have your dad serve at our church. He was kind, gentle, and always had a smile and a song to share. He had a great sense of humour and was compassionate in his service to the Lord. We are truly blessed to have known him and to have enjoyed his musical talents and calm loving presence through the years.
Sue Jackson
Thursday, October 28, 2021
To the dear family of Pastor Bryant - my love and heartfelt sympathy. Some of my earliest childhood memories are happy ones of Pastor Bryant. His gentle presence has always been a dependable part of my life because of his friendship with my parents, and for this, I am grateful and blessed! His kindness, his quick laughter, genuine smile, and beautiful voice are treasured memories of mine. I am so grateful to have had him in my life. God bless you and keep us all until we meet again. Love - Susie
The Rev. Paula M. Jackson
Thursday, October 28, 2021
I can hardly remember a time when Pastor Bryant wasn't a beloved friend of my parents. His presence as a fellow pastor, kindred spirit, and truly kind and generous person warmed and enriched our world. Whether with children or with seniors, he listened with respect and responded from the heart -- and sometimes with a gentle and affirming note of humor. These gifts he leaves with us. May his memory always be for a blessing, and may light perpetual shine upon him.
Frances Jackson
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Dear family of Jim Bryant, and especially Shauna, Sandy, and Mark, you are much in my prayers. Jim Bryant was a beloved friend to my husband and me, and a great servant of our dear Lord. Jim blessed our lives with his warm friendship, his irrepressible sense of humor, and his buoyant, confident faith. He translated that faith into enthusiastic action. Wherever Jim was, there was a sweet, sweet spirit in that place. I will always remember him with thanksgiving to God. May the memories he left you bring you joy, and may God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
BRIAN JACKSON
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
When Rev. Bryant sang "There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place..." I believed every word, and so did all who saw him so gracefully live out that spirit before us every day, day after day and decade after decade. He taught us by example -- how to lo love and respect everyone around us and make them feel important, how to work tirelessly towards a higher calling, how to offer the gifts of peace and cheer to everyone. My dad (who was Kirk to Jim's Spock for years) believed there were two constant and opposite streams of history -- that while everything is getting worse and worse everything is getting better and better. The world is worse off without Rev. Bryant, but so, so much better because he was here! I do not grieve for this man but rather celebrate with him looking forward to our reunion, and again echo my dad who also once said "I just hope there's trout in The River of Life."
Karen McDaniel Mustain
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Loved hearing Jim Bryant sing when I was a member of Overland Baptist Church. What a marvelous voice he had! He always had a smile for everyone!
Shirley Richesin
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Shirley, Larry, Carolyn, and Donna and Jim,
I was sorry to hear of James Robert's passing - what I remember him being called when we were at Baughman or Harmon Churches in our youth - some 60 plus years ago. I then lost contact until a few years ago when I visited with he and Carolyn at a function in Harrison.
From what I have read and heard of his service and devotion to God, family and church family, his was a life well lived. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shirley (Roberts) Richesin
Clyde and Marge Ward
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We spent years at Overland Baptist with Brother Jim and his family. Brother Jim enjoyed being with the seniors, and entertaining us with his singing and whistling .
Paul & Linda Howell Jackson
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Dear Bryant family,
We are so saddened to learn of Jim´s passing. Our memories of Jim go `way back to the late 1950s, when we both were small children at Eagle Heights Baptist Church and friends with the Bryant and Younes families. Several years later, when you all moved to St. Louis, you reconnected with Paul´s family.
Some of our best memories include the music programs Linda´s dad Jack presented at the Senior Center in Harrison, featuring Jim singing old gospel songs and his beloved Hank Williams songs. We always enjoyed the times we visited Elmwood Baptist Church to hear Jim preach.
Jim was a big man with a big heart; musically gifted and possessing rare eloquence in the pulpit. Beyond that, he was a true friend and fishing buddy. We can imagine that right now, he, Paul´s dad and Jack are together with their rods & reels and plenty of hot coffee.
May your memories remind you always of his gentle kindness. May God´s grace comfort you in the anticipation of a wonderful reunion, someday.
Judy Smitg
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Carolyn and family,Brother Jim was the best,he brought sunshine and smiles into those lives he touched and he touched many.He will be missed by all.
Gregory and Rita Mahannah
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Pastor Jim is A WELL RESPECTED MAN OF GOD! Who will forever be in our HEARTS!
Bill and Tammy Boswell
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Sandy. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family