of Earle, AR
May 16, 1931 - November 19, 2021
Jimmie Coldren Barham passed away peacefully at home in her beloved Earle on November 19, 2021. Jimmie was born on May 16, 1931, in Parkin, AR to Jerre and Sarah Gooch Coldren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eugene J. Barham, Jr., brother-in-law, Gordon Morris, and her older sister, Jerre Jayne Morris who was her idol and lifelong best friend. Jimmie grew up in Parkin and was a ''Tom Boy'' who loved to ride her bike, climb trees, and participate in about any type of sport, especially basketball, or any outdoor activity. Jimmie's father died suddenly when she was 12 years old. She attended school in Parkin until she was 16 at which time; she attended St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis. The next year she convinced her mother to allow her to live with her Aunt Kate in Memphis, so she could transfer to Central High School for her junior and senior years. It was at Central that she became a cheerleader and developed many great friendships. After high school, she attended Ole Miss her freshman and sophomore years where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. As much as she loved Ole Miss, her ''life plan'' was to ''put down roots'' in both Mississippi and Arkansas so she attended Ole Miss for 2 years and then transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she was also active in that chapter of KKG, for her Junior and Senior years. It was from U of A that she graduated in 1954. After graduation, she returned home and worked as a fourth-grade teacher in Earle for two years. Her longtime friend and beau, Eugene Barham, Jr., finally ''convinced her'' to marry him and they were married in Earle on September 25, 1956. Later, Jimmie and Eugene were blessed with two children, her daughter, Jimmie Jr., and son Eugene, III. Jimmie graciously performed the role of ''super wife and mother'' for her family, while occasionally agreeing to substitute teach in the Earle schools. In 1983 her husband of 26 years died suddenly at the age of 52 while sitting next to her on the sofa in their home, at which time her life immediately turned upside down. She was suddenly thrust into managing the family farming interests while attempting to determine God's plan for the rest of her life. Jimmie was led to return to college to obtain a further degree, this one in Library Science so that she could serve a need in the Earle schools by becoming the Earle Elementary Librarian. Thus, a new chapter of her life began, as she became ''Miss Jimmie'' to hundreds of children in the Earle School system. This was a calling for which she was truly passionate. She retired as Elementary Librarian at the young age of 86 and always maintained that her time teaching and loving her students was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. In addition to a fulfilling teaching career, Jimmie was elected to the Earle City Council in 1994 and held that position until her passing. She also served for many years as Vice Chairman of the Crittenden County Democratic Party and she was a true ''yellow dog democrat''. She attended and had dear friends at the First United Methodist Church of Earle, Earle Baptist Church, and First Presbyterian Church of West Memphis, where she was a member. Jimmie Barham was a truly gracious, southern lady, who served as an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Annette Atkins, Coretta Allen, Trina Walker, Cassandra Mason, Sandy Teague, and all of the wonderful caregivers and staff at Caring Hearts in Marked Tree.
This wonderful team allowed mother to live in her ''buff brick'' house in Earle, keep her ''signature/power bow'' in the back of her hair (in between trips to Patsy's Place) and make her life so comfortable and peaceful as she transitioned to be with all of her family in Heaven.
She is survived by her daughter, Jimmie (''Jimmie Jr.'') Beauchamp (David) of Fayetteville, son Eugene, III (Greg Packer) of Dallas, niece Sara Morris of Fayetteville, cousins Johanna Quinn of Jonesboro and Marilyn Kay Peterson (Don) of Fayetteville. She is also survived by a multitude of good friends in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and many other places too numerous to mention.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a memorial to The Jimmie C Barham Endowed Scholarship at ASU Mid-South Foundation Inc., Attention: Diane Hampton 2000 West Broadway West Memphis, Arkansas 72301
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64 Condolence(s)
Ora Brown Walton
Friday, March 22, 2024
I most say I need met a lady as gracious and kind as Ms. Jimmie. And I know I never will. Heaven be kind to this sweet lady. Good night we will see you in the morning.
Deborah Abernathy
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
I so admired Ms. Jimmie. Whenever I saw her I would always comment how lovely she was. She maintained a beautiful southern woman's charm. She was a wonderful example to all. I am sorry I am just now finding out about her passing. I will miss seeing her.
Raymond Siggers
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Mrs. Barham was a very nice, polite, and classy person. RIL...
Raymond
Mike and Terry Twist
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
It was an honor to know such a gracious, proper, and kind lady, we will all miss her so much!
Colleen Dublin
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Jimmie was the epitome of a true Southern lady. I was shown her picture at Thanksgiving dinner today and was asked if I knew her. I said "Yes, and she was fabulous!" R.I.P.
Martha and rick twist
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Jimmie and Eugene, What an uplifting wonderful service you all organized in honor of your mother. She was such a special lady beloved by all and an inspiration of how we should live our lives. She and Mr. Eugene left behind a wonderful legacy in you two.
Christine Heard Shoemake
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
To Ms. Barham's children,
We moved to Marion in 1974. To become acquainted with the community and surrounding area, we subscribed to the local newspaper and that is how I know your Mother. Her picture was in the paper often because she was involved with her little town, Earle, AR. I had a childhood friend who was your Mother's beautition for many years until she retired. Her name was Olive Vaughan from Marked Tree. Olive told me that your mother was not sure she could find someone who could take care of her hairstyle like Olive. She liked Olive so much and Olive loved her as well. They became good friends through those years. Then one day I happened to have gone to a funeral in West Memphis and spoke with your Mother to tell her of Olive and my conversation about her (your Mother). Then Olive passed away and I saw your Mother one more time and we visited again talking about our friend, precious Olive. Yes, your Mother exemplified a true Southern lady and a very friendly human being that I am glad our paths crossed. You children have been blessed by her and others have spoken about her influence in their lives. Please accept my sympathy and rejoice in her home going. Most sincerely.
Larry Nowlin
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Our precious friend, Mrs. Jimmie. How Debbie and I have enjoyed your company. Be it riding to and from ASU, or as co-workers in Earle Public Schools. The world has lost a sweet and gracious lady at a time when it can not afford the loss. We will always remember you with love and affection in our hearts. Little Jimmie and Eugene, our prayers are with you both. Great family!
Debbie and Larry Nowlin
Mary Beth Terry Aaron
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Jimmie and Eugene, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a special lady to so many of us who grew up in Earle. She has touched and enriched so many lives. My thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Beth
Cindy Ryan
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
So sorry to learn of Mrs. Barham's passing. She was a kind,sweet lady & a big part of the Earle community. Sincerest condolences to the family.
Cindy Ryan
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
So sorry to learn of Mrs. Nathan's
Linda Maples
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
To The Family
I enjoyed having conversations with Ms. Barham about anything. May the richest blessing of the Lord be with you.
Frederick Miller
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Jimmie and she was so kind and had so much love for the students, school district, and city of Earle she will be missed. Sending love and peace to the family.
Judy Haddad
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
What an incredible woman! She was everyone's favorite. I feel so blessed and lucky to have had her in my life. Prayers and thoughts for Jimmie and Eugene! May your many wonderful memories give you peace! Love to you both from Johnny and me!
Lisa Bell
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Mrs. Jimmie was one of my favorite she was such a sweet and kind lady every time I saw her she had a smile 😊 on her face and she always remember me, she will be truly missed.. prayers go's out to her family..
Tommy lewis
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
I send love and prayers to the family
Myra Arquitt
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Earle, Arkansas has lost a dear, precious life in the passing of Ms. Jimmie. She was so deeply loved by all who knew her and worked with her. Her beauty, charm, compassion, grace, and giving spirit was felt by all who had the privilege to meet her. Every child in Earle knew Ms. Jimmie and her work through the Elementary Library and Public Library. She helped me so much at the Earle Public Library. I will deeply miss her. Love and prayers to her family.
Matthew Glass
Monday, November 22, 2021
What a truly marvelous life Miss Jimmie led. She was the definition of a lady. She will be missed by so many. I can't begin to express how much I enjoyed visiting with her over the years.
Sherry Gillon
Monday, November 22, 2021
She will truly be missed I serve on the city council in parkin we talked were ever she saw me ask how is everything going over there so I will miss seeing this classy entergic friendly smiling lady ðŸ'™
William & Elleene Holloway
Monday, November 22, 2021
Sorry for your loss. She will really be missed.
Mike Melhorn
Monday, November 22, 2021
What a beautiful and classic lady. She'll be missed by so many people whose lives she touched and enriched.
Debbie Evans Simpson
Monday, November 22, 2021
Jimmie and Eugene,
Your mother was the best thing that happened in my life. I was just a poor little girl that was in her class and she made me and everyone she came in contact with feel so loved, as you and Eugene made everyone feel loved as well. I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your families.
Love Always,
Debbie Evans Simpson
Dorothy McKinney
Monday, November 22, 2021
I'm so glad that I had a special Visit with Jimmie the week before. I had checked with Coretta and got a afternoon that Jimmie was up and ready for company . We had a good visit talked about a little of every thing it was such a good visit. When I got ready to go she ask me to come back and visit again I did try but things had already got worse but I can remember her as a fine lady just as she always was.She will be missed such a fine lady she always liked it when I sang on a Sunday that she was at our church ,
David A Forehand
Monday, November 22, 2021
Such a gracious and kind lady, always a smile and a kind word, each time you seen her, Earle
has lost a true advocate, Thank You Miss Jimmie, you will be greatly missed.
Lavonia Jackson-Dunn
Sunday, November 21, 2021
I will always remember you as my librarian. You were always kind and smiling. Thank you for your service to the Earle School District and continuing to serve the city of Earle along other roles after retirement. Prayers for your family and close friends during this time. You will be missed.
Steve and Georgianne Schoettle
Sunday, November 21, 2021
What a great loss. A truly wonderful lady, who touched an infinite number of hearts. The epitome of a true Southern lady. She and my mom loved to travel to Florida together, with Lucille Marconi. Mom will have the motorhome packed for you Jimmie!
Susie Stonecipher
Sunday, November 21, 2021
So sad to hear this. What a lovely life well lived. So happy for all those who enjoyed having her in their lives many years.
Phyliss Moss
Sunday, November 21, 2021
You will be missed
Vicki Jones
Sunday, November 21, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad she is at peace now.Jimmie was quite a southern lady!! She had a long and wonderful life. She will be missed by so many friends and family.
Love to the family!!
Darrell Smith
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Family stay encourage. I remember when I work at the school she I always say to me how you doing my friend. Remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
Becky Raley Dimino
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Jimmie and Eugene,
Sending hugs and prayers for your loss. Mrs Jimmie was such a special, always kind, gracious lady with impeccable taste and a huge heart. She made me feel so welcomed the years I taught you both Art at EHS. She loved you two and her home and Earle, with such passion and wholeheartedly. She made a lasting impression on her student and friends. She was an Icon and will be greatly missed. Love and prayers, Mrs Becky
Tish Knowles
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Mrs. Jimmie was a wonderful lady never seen without a smile on her face. May God be with her family during this time of sorrow.
Martha Jane Murray
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Jimmie and Eugene,
Your lovely mother was the last of the Yaya girls of which my mother was also. They represented the best of a lifelong sisterhood and shared memories- I will miss her and all they represented! Your mother was always so gracious and I so admired her tenacity in all she did. Her passing will leave a big hole not only in your lives but in all she was involved in- she was larger than life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Martha Jane Murray
Regina Hopper
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Jimmie was an elegant, smart, funny, giving, inclusive person who made life better for others. You could be assured when she graced you with her presence you would enter her world with open arms. To her family, thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate her life and all she gave those fortunate enough to know and love her.
Cindy Mcvay
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Miss Jimmie was a kind and wonderful lady. I have many fond memories of her during my time in Earle ,AR.
Cassandra Mason
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Miss Barham was a beautiful lady and I love taking care of her and I also love her children she was a special lady like a morter a very strong lady and and way very independent and net children was net world my prayers go out to Jimmy Jr and Eugene I love y'all very much and she would truly be missed
LaSonya Baker
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Beautiful Lady Will Be Missed RIP Ms.Jimmie. ðŸ™FAMILY
Sandy Teague
Sunday, November 21, 2021
You were a precious lady that taught many people what true love was all about. Your legacy has enriched the lives of so many people!! You will be missed!! Love to your family!
Lanette Missman
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Jimmie and Eugene,
I am so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I loved her and would occasionally see her at different places and she always remembered me and asked about my family. She was so precious and a true Southern Lady. I am so blessed to have known her for many years and I am so thankful that our paths crossed many years ago when we were kids and I would come to Earle and stay with you and your lovely family Jimmie!! Y'all made a lasting impact on me and I will never forget all the fun we had together in Earle, AR when I would come visit your home!!! Praying for God to comfort you both during this hard time.
Love,
Lanette Lanham Missman
Nessica Johnson
Sunday, November 21, 2021
The city of Earle Ark will truly miss you
Roger Atkins
Saturday, November 20, 2021
What a wonderful person Miss Jimmie was! She taught me in the 4th grade and was a fun great teacher. Earle, Crittenden County, and all who new Miss Jimmie have lost a wonderful friend.
Mark Randall
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Miss Barham was always one of the first people to say hello to me at every city council meeting and stopped to talk for a few minutes. One of my favorite memories was the time I met her in the high school old auditorium in Parkin and she told me about the night she saw Elvis Presley play there! Classy lady. God bless, Miss Barham!
Alex Smith
Saturday, November 20, 2021
A beautiful, kind lady and pillar of the community. She will be dearly missed. Prayers for comfort & peace to her family.
James Wade Quinn III
Saturday, November 20, 2021
My cousin ''Big Jimmie'' was a force of nature and one of the most fun people/ family members I have ever enjoyed the company of. My fondest memories revolve around Miss Arkansas Pageants in Hot Springs, and Big Jimmie holding court, in her robe and house shoes (not too early mind you) perfectly poised on Eugene's deck all while over looking Lake Hamilton. She commanded a beautiful history of hilarious family accounts. She was my families Matriarch and she will be missed by all. Such a beautiful person who loved her children with a passion. I always enjoyed spending time with her!
Monica Bell
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Ms.Jimmie was a sweet lady inside and out with a beautiful soul. She was my librarian teacher during my elementary days. She cared for us as if we was one of her own. She will be truly missed and prayers for her family. RIH Sweet lady♥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Kayla Jones
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Mrs. Jimmie was the best libraran, Earle ever had. She will truly be missed
Tracy Wood Quigley
Saturday, November 20, 2021
I know your grief is beyond measure. Be comforted that you will see her again in Heaven. She was a wonderful woman and an exceptional role model for us all.
Jim Bond
Saturday, November 20, 2021
I don't think I ever saw her without a smile on face and a kind word to everyone she saw. She was always a part of the community and will be truly missed.
April Nance Weatherspoon
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Ms. Jimmie was a wonderful lady. I loved that she was always so beautifully dressed and coifed. She will be sorely missed. May God guide the family in this grievous time and strengthen them for this journey.
April Nance Weatherspoon
EHS Class of 1996
ESD School Board
Tyrome Hurst Jr. & Family
Saturday, November 20, 2021
We are going to miss this Great and Wonderful woman.. I enjoyed her when I was a student at Earle Elementary and I also enjoyed working and sitting at the table with her on the Earle City Councilâ¤ï¸ðŸ'ªðŸ½ Mrs. Jimmy you we be truly missed….
Councilman Tyrome Hurst
Patricia Smith
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Jimmie and Eugene,
I have admired your beautiful Mom since our days at Tabernacle. She has continued to be a pillar in our community. She had a fabulous life than I am sure she will continue in Heaven. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Jack & Faye Butler
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Miss Jimmie was so loved by everyone. She will be so missed. She made such an impact on so many of us growing up in Earle. Jimmie and Eugene we send our condolences and heart felt prayers to you and your families.
Jack & Faye
Mike Reneau
Saturday, November 20, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the Barham family.
Doris Pressgrove
Saturday, November 20, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I played basketball with Jimmie and I have some great memories from that time in our lives!
Claudie Forrest
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Family stay encouraged, a rich life has been lived fully. Her friends and cohorts will remember her with dignity. Be Blessed and safe.
Perre Magness
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Jimmie was one of my heroes. When I married Percy and was new to Earle, she was a dear new friend.
When we went to Percy's grandmother's funeral, Jimmie kept not only our ten month old baby, but our standard poodle, who was probably better behaved than the baby. What a friend!
Christine Cook
Saturday, November 20, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Sending healing thoughts your way.
Linda Gibbons
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Jimmie was an extraordinary lady, and I am priviedged and honored to have known her and called her my friend …… and to her adoring children …. I say '' your mother was loved and adored by many in the state of Arkansas, and she absolutely idolized her two precious children , Jimmie , jr. And Eugene !!
My heartâ¤ï¸ Is with you both right this minute ….as we sing ''🎶🎵 we'll meet again … don't know where…. Don't know when ….. but I know we'll meet again some sunny 🌞🌞 day🎶🎵🥲''
I love you dearly ,
Linda
Carol Wood Eden
Saturday, November 20, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families Jimmie and Eugene. I have such wonderful memories of sleep overs at your house Jimmie. Your mom truly was a southern belle.
elbert personWonderful lady
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Wonderful lady;I will miss her
Cathy Horne
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Jimmie, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady that I know will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Karolyn Farrell
Saturday, November 20, 2021
I am so sorry . I met this dear lady in LR when we were both involved with being a community rep to the Little Rock Art Museum. I also am a friend of her daughter.
Bonnie Sue Shaver Huff
Saturday, November 20, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janice Ruston-Southall
Saturday, November 20, 2021
This lovely lady will be missed by all. Love to her family.