Biography: James Neil Curry, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home on January 6, 2025. He was born on March 19, 1958 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Miami High School in Miami, Oklahoma, and went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University with his Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology in 1980.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sally Curry. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Wanda Curry; sons Jim Curry of Fayetteville, AR and Daniel (Harper) Curry of Benton, AR; sister Laura (Lamar) Barnett of Lake Mary, FL; as well as numerous cousins, nephews, great-nephews and nieces, and many loving friends.

Neil’s dedication to the Natural State is remembered through his almost 40 years of service to Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as Chief of Education and Director of the Little Rock Nature Center. His mentorship impacted countless others in the field of nature interpretation.  

Neil was a champion of doing activities that he loved with people that he loved. Those often involved a host of outdoor pursuits, including hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking, and the like. He was a lifelong United Methodist and a man of deep faith and quiet strength. Neil was also a man of great humor and wit, often quick to crack a goofy joke with anyone he met.

Neil was deeply loved by many and will be greatly missed. Now go outside and enjoy the outdoors!

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 9, at 11:00 AM at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church, 20100 Cantrell Road in Little Rock. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.

In memory of Neil’s life and legacy, memorial contributions may be made to Pinnacle View United Methodist Church.