of Searcy, AR
April 25, 1939 - January 20, 2026
Jim D. Redding was born on April 25, 1939, in Grant, Oklahoma and passed away peacefully at home in Searcy, Arkansas on January 20, 2026, with family by his side. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Beverlee, his son David (Kay) Redding and his daughter Leesa (Kevin) Kopp, 5 grandchildren Regan (Ryan) Chappell, Madison (Matthew) Love, Cameron (Sam) Best, Karson Kopp, Karlee (Caleb) Carney, 7 great-grandchildren Shiloh, August and Eliot Love, Peyton Chappell, Landon and Molly Best, and Kinlee Ann Carney, his brother, Lester Redding and his sister, Martha Hall. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 5 sisters, 1 grandson, Peyton Wilson Redding and 1 great-granddaughter, Mary Jo Carney.
Jim was the 9th of 10 children and grew up in Grant, Oklahoma in his earliest years, then moved to Oklahoma City with his mother and siblings where he graduated from Capitol Hill High School. While in junior high he met his childhood sweetheart, Beverlee Hutton, and they married just after she graduated from high school on June 27, 1958. Jim attended Oklahoma Christian Junior College and then transferred to Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas where he played basketball and graduated with a Business Administration degree in 1961.
Shortly after graduation, Jim and Beverlee moved to San Diego for 2 years where Jim worked for General Dynamics. In 1963, they moved to Bridgeport, California as Jim started his stellar career in hospital administration for 35 years. Jim served as hospital administrator in various hospitals from Bridgeport to Nevada, Missouri, where they raised their family, to Liberty, Missouri and Woodstock, Illinois with a short stint in Jefferson City, Missouri in his role as the Chief Operating Officer of the Missouri Hospital Association. Jim and Beverlee retired to Hot Springs Village in 1998 where they continued their lives of service to friends, family and strangers as they showed Christ to everyone they encountered.
Jim learned a strong work ethic and his love for the Lord from his mother, Lola. He was thankful and grateful for the life he was given and the opportunity to give back. As an active member of every church he attended and his service as an elder for many years in both Nevada and Hot Springs Village, Jim was a true servant leader at heart. Through his countless hours of service from teaching classes, to helping widows and shut-ins in their time of need, to his leadership as an elder, Jim touched the lives of so many who are forever grateful.
Jim, Jimbo, Big Jim, Pops, Poppers as he was lovingly known by family and friends, will be truly missed! We were blessed by his kind and gentle spirit, his quirky humor and his love for family, his great example and role model of husband and father, his leadership and mentoring to so many, his friendship and service to others, his love for God and his confidence in his salvation through the grace of Jesus. We are so thankful for the memories and legacy you have left for us, and we love you!
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to LifeTouch Health (Arkansas Hospice) www.lifetouchhealth.org or Harding University Tennis (www.harding.edu/give/athletics).
The service will be on Saturday, January 31 at College Church of Christ, 712 E. Race Avenue in Searcy. 11:00 a.m. Visitation, 11:30 a.m. Service.
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9 Condolence(s)
Jill Spence
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Jim was Uncle Jim to me. Not technically my Uncle but I was fortunate to call him that as a young girl. He was such a good and kind man. Condolences to Aunt Bev, the family and all his loved ones. I'm sure he will be greatly missed but know he is now in his Heavenly Home.
Cindy Gilmore
Saturday, January 31, 2026
I always looked up to Uncle Jim. As a young girl, he was like a gentle giant to me. His sweet and calm nature, his handsome face and beautiful smile were comforting to me. I'll never forget that he took the time to come visit my Mom (Rae Gilmore) just before she passed. He recited Psalms 23 to her and I could tell it meant so much to her. It was obvious my mom loved Uncle Jim. I know he will be missed.
Don Lee Sparks
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Uncle Jim was the brother of my father, Lee Sparks. I remember he and Beverlee from my childhood in San Diego. He was always such a warm, funny, and kind person. The world was a much better place because of him. My condolences to his wonderful wife, family, and friends.
Kenneth Duncan
Friday, January 30, 2026
Uncle Jim was a good man and an inspiration to me in my younger years. My Mom was Mary (Redding) Duncan, one of Jim's older Sisters. Uncle Jim and Beverly would visit frequently through the years every chance they had and help keep the entire Redding family connected. What I saw was Uncle Jim always pushing ahead to make something of himself but he also took time to help family and others along the way. RIP
Jimmy Allen
Friday, January 30, 2026
Jim led my family to the church in HSV through his email brother golf sign up volunteering. This little ministry started a good work to bring many to our Lord. Prayers of comfort for sister Bevetlee
Steven York
Thursday, January 29, 2026
The York family wish to send our sincere condolences to the family of Jim Redding. Jim was the brother of our Mother Jane Redding York. Did not get to see Jim much but when we did he always had a smile and good things to say about our Mother and her family. We know you are in heaven with our Mother and telling stories of when you were young and bragging on your children. Rest In Peace uncle Jim. Sincerely Jim, Steven & Brenda York and Families.
Lanny & Kenna Jean Aldrich
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Sincere condolences from a former neighbor and friend. Jim and Beverlee were fun to chat with and catching family in the driveway while walking our Chiweenie was all part of getting to know you all. RIP Jim.
Allen Hargis
Monday, January 26, 2026
It was a joy to know Jim and observe his servant spirit. He will be greatly missed.
Lori king
Saturday, January 24, 2026
I love u guys y'all r my family Mr Redding is gonna be missed so much