Biography: Jimmie “Jim” Dyer, beloved husband, father and Pa Paw, slipped from mortality into eternity on Friday, April 18, 2008. Beloved by all who knew him, Jim was born June 25, 1943 to Dewey and Marie, the youngest of eight siblings and was raised in Van Buren, Arkansas. He graduated from Arkansas State Teacher’s College (now UCA) in Conway, Arkansas. While attending college he met the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jackie” Watson and they were married August 15, 1965. They were married 43 wonderful years. Jim served three years active duty in the Army during the Vietnam conflict and was an officer in the Signal Corps. He retired from the Army Reserve in 2003 as a Colonel, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. A lifelong educator and school administrator, Jim retired from the North Little Rock School District in 2001. He attended Asbury United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of the Asbury Christian Child Development Center (ACCDC). He is famous at Asbury for his homemade sweet rolls which he would prepare with his friends early Sunday mornings for the church members. A strong and robust individual, Jim loved traveling and documenting his travels with hundreds of photographs. He recently discovered digital cameras, and was a talented photographer. His hobbies included gardening and painting. He was a Master Gardener. He loved building things out of wood with his hands. He was an amazing cook, even if he was not inclined to follow a recipe. His talent for cooking was such that he could accidentally marinate a pork loin in dishwashing soap, and it still turned out delicious. He loved laughing and had an infectious laugh that brought a smile to everyone’s face. He made everybody happy. He is the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Cindy and Christy, whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed a close relationship with both of his girls. Not a day went by that he did not talk to either of them. He was willing to drop everything at a moment’s notice if his family or a friend needed his help. During his life, Jim was completely and totally devoted to his family. He loved painting with his son-in-law Mike, and going to Razorback games with his other son-in-law Matt. Even with all of his many talents, Jim’s favorite activity was playing at the park and spending time with his grandson, Miles. He is preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Ethel Marie Gooding Dyer; his siblings Dewey Jr., Quince, Robert and Mary Lou Carter. He is survived by his beloved wife Jackie, daughter Cindy Cole (Mike), daughter Christy Harward (Matt) and his grandson Miles Harward, sisters Juanita Fox, Doris Rainwater and brother Roy. Visitation is 5-7 PM on Monday, April 21, 2008 at Ruebel Funeral Home on 6313 W. Markham in Little Rock. Burial services are Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 1 PM at Roselawn Memorial Park. Services to celebrate his life will follow at 2 PM at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1700 Napa Valley in Little Rock. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. Information and guestbook at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please send an honorarium donation in Jim’s name to Asbury ACCDC.
We were so saddened to read of your loss. As you might remember, we taught with Jim at Central in the math department and thought so highly of him. He was such a gentle, caring person, and such a good teacher. We will all miss him and we can appreciate how you must be feeling.
With love and sympathy,
Emily and Charla