of Paris, AR
November 3, 1946 - October 2, 2022
Jimmy Leslie (Jim) Maddox made his final trip in life on Sunday, October 2, 2022 when he passed away suddenly at his home where he spent his last weekend surrounded by family, including his 7 grandchildren, who had Friday and Saturday sleepovers when they entertained and showered him with love. He suffered from Spinocerebellar Ataxia Degeneration which limited his mobility. He handled it with dignity as he went from using a cane to a walker and then an electric wheelchair.
Jim was born November 3, 1946 in Paris to George and Laura (Redding) Maddox. After his mother died when he was only three months old, his grandparents Doy and Bertie Redding stepped in and became a role model and influential force in his life. He graduated from Paris High School in 1964, attended U of A, Westark (UAFS), Oklahoma Baptist University and Arkansas Tech University. He completed Associate, Bachelor and Masters degrees with emphasis in the medical field including both clinical and administrative.
During college, Jim worked a variety of part-time jobs. He would do anything, but preferred the medical field and he eventually joined St. Edward's in Fort Smith as a lab technician. He recognized the need for training in order to move up in the system, so he completed another degree and then became Director of Nursing Services. The next move was back home to Paris when he was named Chief Administrative Officer of North Logan Mercy Hospital. His next career move was to Regional Administrator of Mercy Fort Smith-Rural Facilities. He served in that position until his retirement in 2009. In all, he spent 34 years at St. Edward/Mercy Medical Center. To quote his mentor, Sr. Judith Marie Keith, RSM, ''He was a good man.''
When asked about his purpose in life, Jim Maddox answered ''my family''. His hobbies were hunting, playing golf and collecting music, but his family was the Number One thing in his life. During the past ten years when his mobility was limited, he grew even closer to family and had a lot of quality time when he enjoyed his grandchildren immensely.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth (Betty Friga) Maddox, who was his high school sweetheart. Also surviving are son, Austin (Sandy) Maddox of Paris; daughters, Leslie Maddox (David Raper) of Paris and Sabra (Maddox) Bearden (Brian) of Little Rock. Grandchildren are Blaine and Liam Maddox, Emma and Ella Raper, Maddie, Sydney and Charlotte Bearden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Laura (Redding) Maddox; his stepmother, Leona Maddox and sister, LaCleta (Maddox) Nolan.
Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 5. Family will be available for visitation following Rosary services.
Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 6. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Seth Anhalt, Eli Sorey, Robert Redding, Gary Halford, Dr. Nathan Bennett, Steve Blackard and Brad Nolan
Honorary pallbearers will be John Warren, Bill Anhalt, Dr. Gatewood Dudley, Mike Friga, Mike Core, Bob Friga and his Mercy family.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School or Church - 15 S. Spruce St., Paris, AR. 72855
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72 Condolence(s)
Chris & Karen Rogers
Friday, October 21, 2022
Betty, Leslie and Family, so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Sarah Canada Eklund
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Betty, Austin, and family - So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Sending love to all.
Doug Gautier
Thursday, October 6, 2022
My sincere condolences to Betty and family. It was a true pleasure to have worked along side Jim for 30+ years.
Susan Dahlem DuBois
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Betty and family. Wow how old we have gotten. Your kids were kids the last I saw you so many yrs ago at SEMMC - Mercy Ft. Smith. Jim always had a smile. Never saw him frown. He hired me at SEMMC. May he Rest In Peace free from all restrictions of his body and prayers for you all.
Ruthie & Bill Burkett
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
A wonderful family who loved deeply and cared for their husband, Daddy & grandpa in such a loyal way. Praying for memories to give you comfort.
Our love to you all.
David L Rush
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
So sorry for your loss Bette. May you and your children find peace as time goes by.
Barbara Kearney
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Betty and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of of your loss! Jim was really a wonderful guy to work with all those years ago at the hospital in Paris.
After reading his obituary and watching the video, I could see, again his dedication to his career, and mostly to his family! God bless you all, and May Jim Rest In Peace.
Jerry & Annie Canada
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Prayers for the entire family. â¤ï¸
Jerry & Annie Canada
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Prayers for the entire family. â¤ï¸
Alex and Jennifer Rogers
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Sending thoughts, prayers, and love from the Rogers family.
Sheila Law
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Betty & Family,
I'm sorry to hear about Jim. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. Sheila & Family
Debbie Albert
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
So sorry for your loss, I use to work with Betty Maddox at the old St. Edwards Hospital very sweet people! â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ¼â¤ï¸ RIP
Paula Frederick
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Betty and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.
David & Dana Bradley
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
So sorry to hear the news of Jim's passing. Our prayers and condolences to the family.
Brad Nolan
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Uncle Jimmy was a the best! He will always be with me in my heart and mind. I pray for Aunt Betty and my cousins. I love you guys!! I am thankful that Jimmy is no longer in any pain.
I love you Jimmy!
Brad Nolan
Louie and Diane Fox
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Meghan and Ryan Moore
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Our deepest condolences. Your family is in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Meghan & Ryan Moore
Jewell White
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Betty and family you have my deepest heartfelt sympathy. Jim was a good person not only to family but to all who knew him. I am thankful to have had the privilege of working with him with the Hospital Auxiliary!! He was a great asset to our community being the head of our local hospital â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ½
Kathryn Gilbert
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
All my love to the Maddox family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Sharon Sorey Kendall
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
They don’t make ‘em better than Jim. He was a great leader, mentor, and friend. He will always have a piece of my heart. Love and prayers to Betty and all the family.
Ashley Davidson
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
This breaks my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my heart and my prayers.
Julie Varnell
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
John & Joyce Becker
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
So sorry, Betty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fawnda Chacon
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of "Mr. Jim", is "Have Mercy out there". I loved working for him.
Laura Koch Rodriguez
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty, Austin, Leslie, and Sabra, know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. He was a great man, and it was an honor to know him.
Kim Blaty Robertson
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty and family
I was so very sorry to see the Jim passed. He was always so kind and helpful. I will be lifting you and your family
up in prayer.
Traci Gregory
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
I deepest condolences to the Maddox family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless. ðŸ™
Laura Hunt
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty and Kids, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are All in my Thoughts and Prayers. Love you All.
Jo Ann Bolick
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim was such a good man!! I know that he is in the arms of Jesus. God Bless You, Jo Ann Bolick (Schmalz)
Pam Williams
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty, I am so shocked and sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family.
Marsha Pike Donaldson
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I really enjoyed working with him at NLMH. He was always kind, and fair and made work fun and interesting. My prayers for peace and comfort to the family.
Bobby n Hilda Cunningham
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
You have our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers
James koch
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Lisa and Joey Homer
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gerry and Alice Wewers
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
I am so very sorry for your loss!! He sure did love his family!!They brought a smile to his face and sparkle in his eye!! He was also devoted to his Faith!! Betty you were an excellent caregiver!!God Bless this family!!
Donna Mauer
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janet, Sid, Philip & Erica, and Lauren Hartman
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Bless Jim’s life—he certainly lead a full life with many loving grandchildren and wonderful children!!! He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace!!!
Millissia Jones
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty and family: I am very sorry for your loss. Jim was always a great man. He was so nice to me when I worked with the auxiliary so many years ago. Your family has always been so nice and I know you all have so many great memories with him. Prayers and hugs!!
Shelby and Glen Stengel
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
So sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort. Glen and Shelby Stengel
Linda Simon
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty, I am so sorry to read of Jim’s passing. My heart goes out to you, dear friend. You and all the family are in my prayers.
Gay Williams
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty and Family, I am so sorry about Jim's passing. I always had profound respect for you and Jim during the years we all worked for St. Edward Mercy and the Mercy System. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry and Gail Collier
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Gail and I are sorry for you're loss. Prayers are lifted for God's comforting arms to embrace you.
doris davis
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
My hugs and sympathy to you and your family.
Freda Lewis
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty so sorry for your loss, my heart aches for you and the children.
Jim will be missed by all that knew him , he was a great leader and loved working with him!
Praying for your families!
Freda
Jordanne Garlin
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
I am so so sorry for your loss!
I know how dearly you guys loved him!
Praying for peace and comfort.
Kathy bullock
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Sending my love and prayers to Betty, Austin, Leslie and Sabra. He was a great man and I have several memories growing up and being friends with Leslie. â¤ï¸
Margrit and Wayne Enns
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
He is at peace now and in God’s loving arms. Blessings and prayers to your family.
Brenda Brown
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Hugs for the little ones.
Michelle & Danny Owens
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty and family
So very sorry for your loss. May God Bless Jim and each of you during this time.
Pat & Jim Pendleton
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty, we send our sympathy and prayers for you and your family. What pride you must feel for the years of service you and Jim dedicated to others. God bless you and may he rest in God's hands.
Mike and Kelly Becker
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Sorry for your loss! Prayers for comfort for your family!
Dennis and Jackie Lensing
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty and family we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Love and Prayers for all of you at this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace.
Judy Fischer Eschete
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Jim was my childhood neighbor and friend. I am so sorry Betty and family. Sincere condolences and prayers
Leonard and Jo Lensing
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Thoughts and prayers for all the family. Jim was a good man and will be missed .â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Bill Elsken
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Sam McGhee
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
My sincerest sympathies to Betty and family. Jim was a really wonderful man to work for and with. He treated me like family from the first day I met him. I will miss him.
Jane Phillips
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty, family and friends we are so sorry for your loss.
Harriet (Fox) Jones
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty and Family
I wish to extend my sincere sympathy on the loss of Jimmy. While this is a sad time, know that he is in a better place free if the infirmity that plagued him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Harriet (Fox) Jones
Gloria and Larry Lievsay
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Betty, so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Sending our love and concern for you, Leslie, Sabra, Austin, and all the family. Rest in peace, Jimmy! God Bless You all!
Kit brooks
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
I’m soo sorry for your loss… your dad was a great man…. Thinking of you
Love you guys
Kit and Ricky Brooks
Jamie and Carla Wells
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family
Mike McCombs
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Our thoughts and prayer’s for all of the family Jim was a wonderful person He will be missed.
Marlana Cameron Ivy
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
I am truly sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family and loved ones. ðŸ™ðŸ¼
Jim & Paula
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Our loss is heavens gain. Thoughts and prayers for all of you. We hav lots of beautiful memories of Jim. Lov ya
Jill & Bobby Sewell
Monday, October 3, 2022
Betty and Family so sorry to hear of Jim passing. What a great person he was, always smiling and I [Bob} will never forget the good times we all had at KC events. Working on the red truck of his was a fun job because we always talked about the next thing we could do.
Prayers and Love!
Jill & Bobby Sewell
Marcia &Teddy Schluterman
Monday, October 3, 2022
Betty and family, so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers. May he Rest In Peace.
Celeste Fox
Monday, October 3, 2022
Betty and family,
You have my deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely, Celeste Fox
John and Mini Taber
Monday, October 3, 2022
Our sympathy and prayers go out to Ms Betty and Family.
Julia Cook
Monday, October 3, 2022
Betty &Family, we are so sorry for your loss, your in our prayers.James&Julia Cook, LeAnna Loyd, and Jason Redding
Teresa Henson Schluterman
Monday, October 3, 2022
Betty and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed by all who new him.
Andy and Teresa Schluterman
Sherry Stone
Monday, October 3, 2022
My heart and love goes out to Jim's family. He was such a great leader, friend and example to all of us who were blessed to know him!!!
Joyce Barnett
Monday, October 3, 2022
Thoughts and prayer’s for all of the family Jim was a wonderful person He will be missed love you all