of West Helena, AR
December 1, 1942 - April 14, 2021
James Richard Brasel, age 78, of West Helena, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Helena, Arkansas. He was born on Campbell Plantation, located about a mile from Oneida, Arkansas on December 1, 1942, to the late Roy and Alta Brasel.
James better known as "Da" was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His sweet smile and kind spirit were felt by all those who knew him. He had a heart of gold always willing to give of himself to anyone that needed it. His door was always open and in giving to others, he found joy himself.
James attended Central High School and in 1964 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Arkansas State Teachers College currently known as the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He continued his education at Louisiana State University and graduated in 1965 with a Master of Arts in Mathematics. His teaching career began at Monette High School then in 1968, he joined Phillips Community College as a mathematics instructor. He loved the college and recognized its value to the community therefore devoting his life to enrich others through teaching and administration. During his 42 years of faithful service, he worked in data processing, served as a faculty member, Dean of the Division of Business, Registrar, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. Over the years, he was responsible for many of the College's construction and renovation projects on all three campuses. This included most of the buildings on the Helena campus, the renovation of the DeWitt campus, and the new construction of the Stuttgart campus. Through the years James also scouted cotton, sold crop insurance, and authored/reviewed college textbooks. Most recently, James published his own autobiography.
James was active in the community serving as a deacon at West Helena Baptist Church, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the West Helena Lions Club, Helena Rotary Club, DeSoto School Board, and DeSoto Booster Club. Teaching and education were his passion. He taught at both the high school and college level but he also wanted to teach you about life. Many people benefited from his teaching and giving spirit. The lasting impact of his life will live on through the lives of all those he touched.
James married the love of his life, Lynda Bailey Brasel, in 1963. He loved her unconditionally and selflessly devoted his life to caring for her in a way that cannot be matched. Together they built a lifetime of wonderful memories around friends and family. He was so proud of his family and was constantly bragging about their accomplishments, big or small. James loved spending time with his family but was especially proud of caring for his great granddaughter, Marlee Jo.
He is survived by his daughter, Monica Quattlebaum (Terry); grandchildren: Beth Quattlebaum of Conway, Arkansas, Michael Quattlebaum (Nikki), Christina Garner (Joe, Jr.), and Ben Quattlebaum; great grandchildren: Emily Beard, Braden Beard, and Marlee Jo Garner; extended family; and caregiver/family friend, Mozella Jones.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Lynda Bailey Brasel; his parents; his brothers: Lee Brasel; Dean Brasel; and Jerry Brasel.
Funeral services for Mr. James Richard Brasel will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 19, 2021 at Second Baptist Church in West Helena, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m., Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Roller-Citizens chapel. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Brother Joe Garner, Sr. will officiate.
Pallbearers are Michael Quattlebaum, Ben Quattlebaum, Joe Garner, Jr., Peyton Ward, Jack Stephens and Owen Bartlett.
Honorary pallbearers are Toney Dyce and Herschel Mooneyham.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home is observing guidelines regarding COVID-19. We ask that all attendees please observe social distancing. When indoors or when social distancing cannot be observed, please wear a mask.
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24 Condolence(s)
Sandy Snyder
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
I am praying for you for God’s peace and faithfulness and comfort for the days and months to come. Stay close to God and he will get you through this. He hears your prayers.♥ï¸
Richard D Bloesch
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
So sorry for your loss and the loss to the community. I knew James from West Helena Baptist Church many years ago. He was one of God’s faithful servants and was welcomed to his eternal home with open arms. Matthew 25:23
Shirley Miles-Coad
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
I got to know James very well when I enrolled at PC. I told him I didn't have any time to waste as I was determined to get my CPA license as soon as I could. He was a wonderful adviser. Thank God for men as James Brasel. Every time I would see him he had a smile on his face.
Robert and Betty Ann Scaife
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Attended Barton and Central High School in the same grade.
Prayers for him and his family.
Jim & Hazel Williams
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
So sorry to learn about Mr. Brasel passing. Prayers and sympathy for the family.
Franklin Woolard
Monday, April 19, 2021
Godspeed to your next stop. You and your contributions will be sorely missed.
Sylvia Boyd
Monday, April 19, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the Brazel family.
Amy Green
Monday, April 19, 2021
I worked for Mr. Brasel as a student over 25 years ago. He was a good man! We are praying for your family.
Janie scaife
Sunday, April 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss.
Joseph Forte
Sunday, April 18, 2021
I worked with Jim at PCCC for several years. I remember once he and I decided that we would go on a water only diet. After three days we found it most inconvenient to do our jobs and deal with the necessities of the diet.
Alice (King) Huskey
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Monica and Family
I was so sorry to hear about your dad—he and your mom (and you) were wonderful neighbors to my parents, Bruce and Christine King, for many years. I always enjoyed talking to him whenever I could—he was so witty, friendly, smart, and we were truly blessed to have known him. He and your mom were very special folks! Please know that faith, family, and friends will see you through this difficult time.
Alice (King) Huskey
Tullahoma, Tennessee
Joe Dell Brasem
Sunday, April 18, 2021
James was always a kind, gentle man. He will be missed by family and friends.
Carol Frizzell Sutton
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Monica,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have such sweet memories of your father as he guided me in my first year at PCCC. His encouragement and mentoring were instrumental in the journey my career path took and also being a role model for a great leader. I have such fond memories of us growing up together and how blessed we were as kids and adults. Praying for you and your family.
Jim Milam
Sunday, April 18, 2021
I took FORTEAN programming from Mr. Brasel at PCCC in the spring 1977 semester.
He was an exceptional instructor and an all around good guy, with a great sense of humor.
What I learned from him had a strong effect on my further education and led to a rewarding career.
Rest well, Mr. Brasel. You're a good one!
Brenda Freeman Murray
Saturday, April 17, 2021
So sorry to learn of James’ passing. He was a wonderful teacher. He always greeted people with a smile. He was a very special person and will truly be missed.
Smokey Campbell
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Haven’t seen James in a few years but as young boys that started out life around Oneida we were friends through the years. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Smokey
Smokey Campbell
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Haven't seen James in a few years- we started our lives at Oneida and had lots of fun as kids. I know he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Ben Finley
Saturday, April 17, 2021
I remember all the good times we enjoyed at fellowship, and the privilege of being able to have worked with you At Phillips College
Gwendolyn McGhee
Friday, April 16, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the Brasel family. Mr. Brasel was a wonderful person who had a smile for everyone. I am thankful for the time I worked with him at PCCUA.
Ken Yancey
Friday, April 16, 2021
So sorry to hear about James. We have been friends since his family moved to West Helena and started to the West Helena Baptist Church. James always had a smile on his face, and was always pleasant to be around, and he was an excellent teacher.
jim mayer
Friday, April 16, 2021
JAMES ALWAYS WAS A GREAT MAN A REAL GENTLEMAND AND DEDICATED FAMILY MAN, EDUCATOR AND FRIEND TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM. LYNDIA YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. JIM & DIANE MAYER
Don Hensley
Friday, April 16, 2021
James was always the same, whereever you seen him! He will be greatly missed!! But he is home with his maker now!!
June White
Friday, April 16, 2021
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of James. He was certainly a fine man. I pray that God will keep his arms around you during this most difficult time.
June White
Johnny & Linda Broome
Friday, April 16, 2021
A great person. My first Calculus Instructor in 1968 at the College. He will be missed by many