Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

James Thomas (J.T./ Jim) Yarbrough, age 79

James Thomas (J.T. / Jim) Yarbrough, age 79 of Little Rock, Arkansas went to be with our Lord on Thursday March 3, 2022. He was born April 6, 1942 in Wright, Arkansas to Cloid Wesley Yarbrough and Ruth Irene Lay Yarbrough.

Jim attended Watson Chapel School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1961. During his last two years of high school, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. After graduating from high school he enlisted into the regular Navy. Shortly after this enlistment, on December 26, 1961 he married his high school sweet heart, Patsy Christine (Chris) Bass. Together they served our country in the United States Navy for 22 years.

Of his 22 years of service in the United States Navy, Jim served two tours of duty in Vietnam. For his service he was presented with several awards and honors including The Vietnam Service Medal, a Combat Active Ribbon, a Navy Achievement Medal, and the President’s Unit Citation. He also received 5 Good Conduct Awards. He was also a Hospital Corpsman and served his country alongside the U.S. Marine Corps. During his military career he achieved the highest enlisted ranking office and retired from the U.S. Navy in 1981 as a Senior Enlisted Advisor, Grade E-9, Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMDCM).

In addition to his service to our country, Jim also faithfully served our Lord in numerous church positions around the world and moved his family back to Arkansas in 1982 where he continued his honorable service to his church, Lord, and family. He had many talents including, but certainly not limited to being an antique clock repairman, carpenter, and computer whiz.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law James A. and Veoma “Kate” Bass, and a sister Ruth Yarbrough-Lambert and her husband Aubrey Lambert of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and by his son-in-law, Donald H. Phelps of Little Rock. He is survived by: his loving wife Chris Yarbrough of Little Rock, Arkansas; two daughters, Glenda Yarbrough-Hanson (Tandy Hanson) of Dumas, Arkansas and Stephanie Yarbrough-Phelps of Little Rock, Arkansas; a sister, Emma Yarbrough-Chandler (Bill Chandler) of Memphis, Tennessee; two
granddaughters, Lexie Phelps of Little Rock, and Shifawn Clubb-Rawls (Josh Rawls) of Saraland, Alabama; and two great-grandchildren, Jacob Rawls and Audra Rawls of Saraland, Alabama.

A private service for close friends and family will be officiated by Reverend Ken Thornton and Dr. Tandy Hanson at Center Missionary Baptist Church on March 8, 2022 followed by a commitment of Mr. Yarbrough’s soul unto our Lord at The Rowell Cemetery with Military Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Samaritan’s purse, Disaster Relief or any charity of choosing.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076 (501-982-3400).

7 Comments

  • Mike and Barbara Sparks Posted March 7, 2022 4:00 PM

    Jim was a man who, when you first met him, you wished you had known him a lot longer. He was a man of authority, peace and love. He loved his family, his friends and his country. Jim meant a lot to the Duke Irwin family as well as ours. He was God’s gift to the earth and he will be missed but we know the Angels in Heaven rejoice at his presence. We pray for God’s love and peace for Chris and family

  • Joe/ Linda clark Posted March 8, 2022 8:33 AM

    Chris and family Joe and I send our love and condolences.

  • Judy Lee Flowers Posted March 8, 2022 9:00 AM

    Sure will be thinking of all of you today. Sending prayers too.

  • Jack Broach Posted March 8, 2022 12:13 PM

    Worked him several years at Cummins unit always a joy to talk to always positive.

  • Richard Clubb Posted March 8, 2022 1:22 PM

    He was a great and delightful man. A loving husband and family man, friend, and Christian. I admired him, respected him, and loved him. God Bless all of the family. I love you dearly. I Know Jim is now sitting around swapping stories with all the family that has gone before him.

  • Erna Brike Posted March 8, 2022 5:22 PM

    Glenda & Family, I am so sorry for your loss, but feel that you all can be so proud that your husband, father, uncle , grandpa and friend to so many, was so well loved. Your faith in the Lord will see you through and may you all know that , though I never had the pleasure of knowing Jim, I have heard about him from my daughter, who is a dear friend of Glenda & Tandy. May he rest in peace and the Lord watch over you all. Sincerely, Betty Brike

  • Michael & Lynette Sparks Posted March 8, 2022 9:39 PM

    Chris & Stephanie, The last 2 years have been very trying. But we are so encouraged in knowing where Jim has gone. I picture him back together with Don and my grandpa Irwin sharing all their stories again. And praising our Savior. Thank you both so much for the friendship you shared with my grandparents. You were such a special gift to them, and we love you guys so much for that. Lynette and I are praying for you both that you find rest from the hurt, and comfort in the knowledge that our loved ones are now home together with Jesus. And that we get to be with them again one day. Love you.

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