James “Jim” Martindale, age 79

James “Jim” Martindale, age 79, passed away in his home surrounded by his family, on March 5, 2022, after a brief battle with leukemia. He was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on May 21, 1942, to Ted and Esther Martindale. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Nancy Hargett.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda Samuel Martindale, son JB (Stefanie) Martindale, daughter Kay Lynn (Jeff) Hill, grandchildren James Martindale, Gage Martindale, Lilly Hill, Jake Hill, all from Conway, Arkansas, as well many cousins, nieces and nephews, and his furry friend, Bob.

An outstanding athlete, Jim played football, basketball, and track for Norphlet High School. He was All State in football in 1959, representing Norphlet in the 1960 State All Star game. As a junior, Jim set a state track record for discus in 1959, beat his own record as a senior in 1960 and then won discus in the 1960 Meet of Champs. Jim continued his athletic career at the University of Arkansas playing football and throwing the discus for the track and field team. After injuries ended his athletic career, he attended Southern State College (now SAU), where he met his future wife, Linda Samuel. After graduating Southern State College with a degree in Business, Jim began his career with AP&L/Entergy which spanned 37 years and various leadership positions. During his career with AP&L/Entergy, Jim and his family moved often, and he always gave back to his community leading multiple civic organizations such as Rotary Club, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, and was active in Boy Scouts since he was a former scout himself.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing in southeast Arkansas, as well as spending time with his family and friends at his beloved camp on the Saline River. Jim “Papa” was his grandchildren’s best friend and he spent as much time as he could with them, teaching them to hunt and fish, attending many of their school and athletic events, as well as taking the whole family on many wonderful vacations.

Jim was a member of Second Baptist Church of Conway. In lieu of a funeral, the family will be having a drop-in visitation at Jim and Linda’s home in Conway on Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 2-4pm.

Following cremation, the family will have a private ceremony on the Saline River in southeast Arkansas.

Jim fought a good fight, he kept the faith, he won the race. Memorials may be made to MD Anderson at PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210 (www.mdanderson.org/gifts) or to the James Martindale Business Scholarship at SAU Foundation, 100 East University, Box 9174, Magnolia, AR 71753.

Arrangements are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com