Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

James Donald (Jim) Clements, age 73

James Donald (Jim) Clements, 73, of North Little Rock, after a hard-fought battle against heart disease, he passed from this earthly life to join his heavenly Father on July 19, 2020.

Jim was born on September 17, 1946 in Malvern, Arkansas to James Albert Clements and Irene Manning Clements. He grew up in Malvern on Sullenberger Avenue.

“Jimmy D” was a member of the Malvern High School Class of 1964 and was proud to be present and able to help them celebrate their 55th class reunion last fall. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard, completing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana in the Third Battallion of Company D of the Arkansas National Guard.

He returned to Malvern for several years. Early in life Jim learned the value of hard work and integrity as evidenced by the fact that he worked nights at the state hospital in Benton to pay for his education at Henderson State University where he attended classes during the day.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from HSU in 1972. The long hours of working and studying paid off.  After graduating, he relocated to Houston, TX to pursue career opportunities.  It was in Houston he met and married Katherine Syata, the mother of his only child Sarah Louise.

For over 35 years he was one of the principals of Marshall Clements.  MC Interiors brought a sense of style and beauty to many homes and businesses in Arkansas and surrounding states.  Jim loved to travel the world to search for one of a kind antiques and home furnishings.  His quests for beautiful antiques and artifacts took him to Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These travels afforded him the opportunity to gain vast knowledge of the history of art and design.  His voracious appetite for knowledge and his love of travel as well as meeting new people and trying new cuisine, were very fulfilling to him.  Through all the bleakness in this world, Jim was a man who could see the beauty in just about anything down to the slightest detail. He was a true artist and loved to share all of the knowledge he gleaned, with anyone willing to listen. Jim’s sense of style, his drive for perfection and his love of people made him an immensely popular designer.

Due to his failing health, he closed Marshall Clements.  He spent the last two years of his life living with his daughter, son-in-law,  grandchildren, and their faithful four-legged companion Alley. “Poppy” was a character…full of laughter and love, and rarely told the same story twice. He was always there, observing, joking, giving his honest opinion. He loved being around people and hearing their stories.  Friends and family will always remember him for his warm smile, hearty laugh, and wicked sense of humor. We will miss him forever.

Jim loved life. His headstrong nature was the force behind a hard-fought battle to live.  His failing body encouraged him to push harder. His positive attitude and his willingness to try new therapy, radical surgery, anything to extend and hopefully improve his quality of life set a solid example to those around him.

Jim received an LVAD heart pump implantation in early 2018.  Through his many visits to St. Vincent Infirmary “Hey there, Mr. Clements!” could frequently be heard from the valets at the hospital entrance, the custodial staff, as well as his team of doctors and nurses. We express our sincere gratitude to each and every one who took the time to make Jim’s day a little easier and his environment a little brighter. We wish to convey our tremendous gratitude to Jim’s extensive team of doctors and nurses–especially the St. Vincent LVAD Team.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Nichols, nieces Melody Sharp and Charlene Williams, and nephew David Sharp.  Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Sarah Clements Smith and son-in-law Brian, grandchildren Owen and Whitley Smith, all of North Little Rock; sister Elizabeth Lovell of Traskwood, one niece Cindy Byrd, nephews Duane Sharp, Jimbo Sharp, Ronnie Vann and David Vann, chosen family member LeeAnne Hairr, and numerous other relatives and dear friends.

Due to the restrictions related to the ongoing pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials in Jim’s honor can be made to the North Little Rock Friends of Animals at PO BOX 1712 North Little Rock, AR 72115 or to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

 

 

 

15 Comments

  • Diana Syata Davidson Posted July 23, 2020 9:05 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful story. I love you and I’m praying for your comfort during this difficult time.

  • Jordan Malone Posted July 23, 2020 9:22 AM

    Praying for you, Sarah, as well as Brian and the kids and all of his other family and friends who love him so much!

  • Linda Walker Posted July 23, 2020 10:08 AM

    So sorry Sarah. Praying for your comfort in knowing your Dad is at peace.

  • Jack and Liz Ann Case Posted July 23, 2020 11:04 AM

    Sarah, we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jack and I were clients and friends. He and Reggie were working out of the Marshall’s furniture store when they did our first home. Every room in our current home has Jim’s signature of beauty and grace. I enjoyed every encounter with Jim, he was full of joy. Our prayers go with you and your family.

  • Tessa Sedder Posted July 23, 2020 11:35 AM

    He was such a sweet and kind man! I loved seeing him when Mike needed to take something to his store! He will be missed!

  • Rhonda Compton Posted July 23, 2020 12:13 PM

    Sorry for your loss Sarah’. Jim was my family and remember all our fun times throughout the many years.

  • Paula Padilla Posted July 23, 2020 12:26 PM

    He always made me laugh!

  • Jacqui Olien nee: Jackie Proper Posted July 23, 2020 1:13 PM

    Much loved classmate. Fun friend! All around good man! You will be missed!

  • Sandy Dial Posted July 23, 2020 2:59 PM

    What a BEAUTIFUL tribute. So glad you had some quality time together.

  • Rick and Lorena McConnell Posted July 24, 2020 5:27 AM

    Sarah so sorry for your loss. You did an amazing job caring for your father. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

  • Bettie Leonard Posted July 24, 2020 9:42 AM

    Beautiful Life Story. Sarah, You have so many wonderful memories. You and your family are in my prayers asking God for his Peace to be with you now and always. Love to all. Bettie

  • Janice Edwards Posted July 24, 2020 9:45 PM

    My deepest condolences to Jimmy D.’s daughter, family and friends.

  • Lisa Green Hart Posted July 26, 2020 10:49 PM

    Dear Sarah, so sorry for your family’s loss. Beautiful tribute to him. Jim was always the life of the party. I pretty much thought of him as “one of my cousins” as he was always at the lively “Green get-togethers, in Malvern as well as Houston and engagement parties , stealing dances with all the ladies, My parents (Monty and Mary Green ) thought the world of him as well. I had my mom living with me for awhile as well, as she battled cancer that ultimately caused her to need nightly dialysis. I am sure your family has many crazy memories from him staying with you and he was truly blessed to have your loving family surround and support him these last couple years.

  • Trisha Dominguez Posted July 27, 2020 11:40 AM

    So sorry for your loss

  • Linda Keeney Weaver Posted July 29, 2020 2:15 PM

    RIP my friend. To Jim’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim and I became friends about the age of 8. We fussed, cussed and loved each other very much. We considered ourselves family. I will miss him and love him always. I grieve along with you. Jim was one of a kind.

Sign Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A Natural State Funeral Service & Crematory