James Edward Silliman, age 77

James Edward Silliman (“Jimmy”, “Sil”), age 77, of Camden, went to be with the Lord on January 16, 2024 following a 10 year battle with cancer.

He was born on October 2, 1946, in Camden, AR to Harold and Trudy Chambliss Silliman. As a young boy, he loved hunting and the outdoors. He enjoyed quail hunting with his favorite bird dogs, track, baseball, and basketball. After graduating from Camden High School in 1964, he enlisted in the Army Reserve and served for 6 years. He was known to some as Jimmy or Jim or Sil, but everyone loved his warm personality and humor.

He married Paula Benton on January 15, 1973, and went on to have two daughters, Shannon and Brittany. He was happiest with family, in the woods, or on the lake. He could be found at White Oak Lake or Bragg Lake on any nice, calm day… or just about any other day. He believed that spring was for the turkeys and fall was for the deer. He loved the thrill of the hunt and would often say “nothing ruins a good hunt like killing something.” Even though it made for a lot of work, he was never sorry when enjoying his bounty from the woods or water. He was always ready to discuss hunting or fishing.

He retired from International Paper/Georgia Pacific with a combined 39 years of service. Following his retirement, his morning routine consisted of a cup of coffee and rounds through town to visit his buddies. He was a devoted Razorback fan through the highs and lows.

He deeply cherished his time with his grandchildren and loved being their Pop. He attended all of their programs and sporting events and was their biggest fan at any and everything they did.

He attended church at Camden First Assembly of God. He fought privately and hard for his life for many years throughout his cancer journey, but he was also quick to say that he was ready when his time was up because he had lived a great and fulfilled life. He and Paula celebrated 51 happy years of marriage just one day prior to being called home. His humor, smile, and love will be sorely missed by all who loved him. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, treating people well, and taking time to enjoy the simple things in life.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Trudy Silliman; his grandparents Joseph and Emma Harrell Silliman, Ed and Betty White Chambliss; an Uncle Jessie Silliman (Pearl); a host of other aunts and uncles; two brothers-in-law, Dennis Wilkins and Terry Benton; and father-in-law, Pete Benton.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; his daughters Shannon Tidwell (Earl) and Brittany Alexander (Johnathon); his grandchildren Braden and Benton Kate Alexander; LaToya, DeMarreo, Chris, and Harmony Tidwell; a brother, Dennis Silliman; a sister, Barbara Wilson; mother-in-law, Mary Nell Benton; sisters-in-law, Linda Victory (Jimmy) and Rita Benton; nephews Tim Wilson, Eric Fogle, Shayne Benton, and Jeremy Fogle; and a niece, Brooke Benton.

His family would like to thank Dr. Dan Martin, Dr. Lynn Cleveland, Cody Williams APRN, Dr. Caleb Bozeman, Allen Childers PA-C, Dr. Alyssa Peters, Molly Grassi, Brandon McNew, Kristie Freeman, Cassie Burns, Wendy Hill, Anna Watson, LaDarrell Washington, Angie, Kat, Laura, Kayli, Brandy, Heather, Erica, and the entire staff of CHI St Vincent Hot Springs for their kindness and care.

A celebration of his life will take place at 2:00 on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Lisbon Cemetery in Lisbon, Arkansas. All are invited to attend. Feel free to come as you are or in some of his favorites like camo or Razorback attire.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com