of Little Rock, AR
August 22, 1947 - May 15, 2019
James Franklin Kuntz, age 71 of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord on May 15, 2019. He was born August 22, 1947, in Hot Springs, Arkansas to James and Grace Ann Kuntz. Jim graduated from Lake Hamilton High School, attended Southern State University and served in the Army. He enjoyed all types of auto racing, restoring antique trucks, entering car shows, and attending sporting events with his children and grandchildren. He was a high-performance engine builder that served customers all over the world. Many of the cars he built engines for won national championships and held numerous national records. Jim was one of the most respected engine builders in the country and had many devoted customers and friends. He was a member of Fellowship Bible Church.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Joy; four children, Jennifer Kuntz Monk (Pledger), Lori Kuntz Walsh (David), James Franklin Kuntz, III (Jenn) and Robyn Kuntz Campbell (Ian); fourteen grandchildren, Brandon Monk, Connor Monk, Rachel Monk, Parker Monk, Victoria Monk, Erin Monk, Emma Monk, Reed Walsh, Spencer Walsh, Mason Walsh, Gracey Campbell, Grayson Campbell, Karrah Campbell and Kallen Campbell; one brother, Terry Kuntz (Sharon). He was also loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30, Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Rd., Little Rock, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30am. A private family burial will follow at Memorial Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
A special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Baptist Health Medical Center for their exceptional care.
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30 Condolence(s)
Tommy Barrett
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Joy and family,
I had the pleasure of coaching Jim. I will never forget his great shooting ability. But more than that, he was a very special person and will be missed.
Coach Tommy Barrett
Daniel Smith
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Joy,
I just heard of this and wanted to make sure that you know that your Baptist Health Family are praying for you and all your family during this time of loss. All our prayers to you!
Daniel
Mike O'Connor
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
I feel terrible that I didn't hear of Jim's passing until today. I was just telling somebody the other day about how Jim told me once, as only Jim could do, of paying for open-competition Dirt Late Models engines, "All takes is a checkbook Mike... that's all it takes..."
He and I got to know each other pretty well there for a while when he advertised in Dirt Late Model Magazine, and then he worked us and with Bob Christopher from PBM to put together on open motor that we featured in the Magazine.
He was a true gentleman. A complete class act and I am so sorry for your loss. The World is indeed a lesser place with his passing and Heaven as all the richer.
Carol Sheets
Monday, May 20, 2019
Joy and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Jim passing away. I know he was such a big part of your happy family and meant so much to all. I want to be with you soon to visit and share memories. You and Jan have always been like my little sisters. It breaks my heart you have had to give him up so soon. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Carol
Emma Thomason & Family
Sunday, May 19, 2019
Our thoughts and Prayers, He was a Special friend.
Chad Horras
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Met Jim 25 years ago when he built me an engine for my Mustang. He will be missed by people the world over.
Linda Jones
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Jim was a Great guy. Truly be missed.
Dan and Patty Snider
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Joy and Family
We can't express our sadness at Jim's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sam and Melissa kirksey
Saturday, May 18, 2019
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGHTH TO GET THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. R.I.P MR. JIM
Jason Line
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Jim was a big help to my brothers and I when we started racing and we appreciated it! RIP
Steve Dunne
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Jim gave me great advice. May God strengthen you during this difficult time. Bless each of you.
Steve Dunne
David and Beryl Fraziet
Friday, May 17, 2019
Joy and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Sure going to miss him at the Maddox Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas breakfast. May God wrap his arms around you and bring you comfort and peace knowing he was welcomed into our heavenly kingdom by his parents and grandparents with joy and love. We love you!
Craig Kelley
Friday, May 17, 2019
I met Jim at batesville speedway when Bill Frye first started running his engines. He was a great builder and man.
Al McKnight
Friday, May 17, 2019
I know Jim from a Race FE Engine he built for me, we hit it off immediately and became friends not just business associates. He was a great person and spoke of his family often as well. My Prayers go out to you all for strength and understanding through this difficult time. Out phone conversations, texts, and visits at the Drag Strip will be missed.....Al
Archie & Relda Pittman
Friday, May 17, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
John coker
Friday, May 17, 2019
Pledger and family I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
JOHN COKER
tommy clark
Friday, May 17, 2019
Joy and family, I'm sorry sorry for your loss. I've known Jim for almost 50 years and was fortunate to have shared some great times with him. We will all truly miss him.
God Bless,
Tommy Clark
Keith Runyan
Friday, May 17, 2019
We will miss Jim. Praying for Joy and the whole family,
Patricia Gilbert Elkins
Friday, May 17, 2019
Jennifer and family, Praying for comfort for all of you. I know Mr. Kuntz was a beloved grandfather, father, and husband. I am so sorry for your loss.
Gary Summers
Friday, May 17, 2019
Sorry to hear about it that's another Ford guy gone
Connie McWilliams Gould
Friday, May 17, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Jim's daughter, Jennifer, was my best friend in college and her family was like a second family to me during that time.
Barbara Rowe Guinn
Friday, May 17, 2019
Jim and I go way back, both born in 1947. Our parents were good friends. Jim’s mother, Grace Ann, was my piano teacher for 10 years, and she was responsible for me attending college. She was a good friend who often told me how well Jimmy took care of her. Jim and I were both 1965 Lake Hamilton HIgh School graduates. It was a small, closely-knit class of which Jim was liked, loved and respected. We are saddened and will miss him until we meet again at the Great Reunion before God’s Throne.
Darla Givens
Friday, May 17, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about your dad Lori. I am praying for the whole family. He will be greatly missed. What an impact he had on the world!
RICH LANE
Friday, May 17, 2019
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JIM'S PASSING. HE WAS A GREAT MAN WITH A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE. I REALLY APPRECIATED EVERYTHING HE DONE FOR US IN WHEN WE WERE RUNNING THE IMCA SPEC MOTORS. HE HAD THE PERFECT COMBO'S FOR US AND WE WON ALOT RACES BECAUSE OF WHAT JIM DONE. JIM WAS ONE OF THOSE KIND OF PEOPLE THAT YOU NEVER FORGET ONCE YOU MET HIM. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. RICH LANE , CREW CHIEF FOR MARK BURGTORF.
Scott Tatman
Friday, May 17, 2019
Condolences to Jim’s family. I’m sorry for your loss.
Scott
Thursday, May 16, 2019
So sad to hear about. Had Mr. Kuntz do me a set of heads back in the day. Prayers for his family.
Michael and Brenda Benson
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Prayers, Love, and Hugs. You were a good friend and will be missed by many.
Loretta Kilts
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Jim, was an Awesome man. I enjoyed time speaking to him when he'd come into the cafeteria for lunch. Joy and family you're in our prayers.
Jim and Loretta Kilts
Bret Velde
Thursday, May 16, 2019
RIP Jim, thank you for everything!
Bill McGlone
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Rip my old friend