Biography: James Allen “Jim” Vines, 66, of Little Rock, died February 16, 2010. Born on February 28, 1943, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Marvin and Lois Haygood Vines, both of whom preceded him in death, Jim was beloved by his family and friends and was an inspiration to all who knew him. Jim graduated from Hall High School in Little Rock and attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Following his graduation from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Masters Program for City and Regional Planning at the University of Oklahoma, Jim worked as a city planner in Little Rock with the planning and engineering firm of Hodges, Vines, Fox & Castin before Multiple Sclerosis caused him to retire early. Both before and after his retirement, however, Jim devoted himself to numerous community causes, including service on the advisory boards for the Westside and Metropolitan YMCA, Camp Aldersgate, the City Beautiful Commission, the Pulaski County Council on Aging, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and the Arkansas Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Despite his devotion to his community, Jim’s greatest service was the courage and grace by which he fought MS for over thirty years. A man of faith and member of First Baptist Church in Little Rock, Jim inspired all who knew him through his peaceful confidence in God’s provision and unwavering joy in midst of suffering. For few people is the commendation “well done, good and faithful servant” more fitting. Jim is survived by his devoted wife Linda, who worked tirelessly in her care for him throughout the course of his illness and was with him faithfully through his final days; his loving sons Jon and Andy of Little Rock; Andy’s wife Brooke; his grandchildren Bella and Fischer; his sisters Tommye Lou Davis of Waco, Texas and her husband Don, Becky Saulters of Columbia, Tennessee, and Sheila Elrod of Fort Collins, Colorado; his brother John Vines of Germantown, Tennessee and his wife Elizabeth; his nieces Christi Roberts, Beth Horton, Ashley Wilder, Amy Benson, Leah Elrod and Abby Elrod; his nephews Drew Saulters, John David Whittenburg, and Aaron Elrod; numerous grand-nieces and nephews; his extended family, and many loving and faithful friends. The family wishes to specially thank the courteous and attentive ICU staff at UAMS Hospital for their professional and compassionate care. There will be a visitation Thursday, February 18th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service Friday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, officiated by Dr. James Lagrone. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. Memorials in lieu of flowers should be made to the UAMS “House Calls Program” of The Reynolds Institute on Aging, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock 72205, the Visiting Nurses Association at St. Vincent Infirmary, First Baptist Church of Little Rock or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arkansas Division, 1100 North University Avenue, Little Rock 72207.