James B. Pfeifer

Obituary Notice

James B. Pfeifer, 88, passed away on October 13, 2004. Mr. Pfeifer and his family figure into a segment of Little Rock commercial history. After the Civil War, his grandfather Philip started a "boat store" in Little Rock's River Market area, which sold supplies to riverboats and plantations along the Arkansas River. Over a hundred years ago part of the family purchased a lumber business which evolved into Mechanics Lumber and OneSource Home and Building Centers, and Mr. Pfeifer was associated with this business for over 60 of these years. The early days of the lumber business were times when deals were still struck with a smile, trust and a handshake. Mr. Pfeifer had graduated second in his class at Central High School, and brought mathematical skills as well as additional trust and honesty to the family business. 

He contributed to the community, serving as President of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and in that capacity, on the committee which led the crusade for the establishment of Little Rock Air Force Base. He was at various times President of his Lion's Club, a Chairman of the Community Chest (United Way), supportive of Youth Home, and many other charities. His most recent and treasured community work occurred in his eighties, when, as a volunteer in the public schools, he was a favorite among the young kids he helped with reading. He was a good, kind, smart man and will be missed by all who knew him. Both of his grandfathers had played roles in establishing the first Jewish congregation in Little Rock just after the Civil War, and Mr. Pfeifer later served as President of that institution, Temple B'nai Israel. 

He was the son of the late James and Irene Bott Pfeifer, and was married to the late Janet Loeb Pfeifer for over 50 years. He is predeceased by his brother John, who had a long career as an engineer with Boeing Aircraft Company. He leaves his son Jim, daughter-in-law Dr. Robynn Zinser and beloved nine year old granddaughter Jade Zinser Pfeifer, with whom he had a special relationship. He also leaves many treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins including his 40-year business associate and friend, Eugene Pfeifer III. 

Funeral Services will be held at Temple B'nai Israel, 3700 Rodney Parham Road on Sunday October 17, at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Oakland Jewish Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Pfeifer's memory to the Janet Loeb Pfeifer Children's Fund, c/o Jewish Children's Regional Service, PO Box 7368, Metairie LA 70010-7368. This was the successor to the orphanage where Mr. Pfeifer's late wife was raised. 

Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home.

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