James Robert Roach Jr., age 65

James Robert Roach Jr., age 65, of Cabot, Arkansas passed away on March 24, 2025. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 27, 1959 to the late James Robert Roach Sr. and Norma Lee (Harrison) Roach.

James was a loving husband, Dad, son, brother, uncle, friend, and Papa. He was everything to his family, and he was the one who took care of everything. He was always ready to protect us all. The babies always found his lap whether he was on the tractor, four-wheeler, or just sitting on the couch. There are so many pictures of his babies falling asleep in his lap.

When asked what he wanted for his birthday of Christmas, he would always say, “I just want everyone to be happy.” And when asked, “What do you do?”, he would say, “I’m a jack of all trades and master of one and that’s epoxy floors.” There wasn’t much James didn’t know how to do. Besides being a professional in epoxy floors, he was always very talented in wood work. If you gave him a picture, he could make it. He made many rocking chairs, a spinning wheel, stools, hope chest, treasure boxes, and many loads of catfish traps.

James was also a very talented musician. Everyone loved to hear him pick the guitar and sing. He could almost play any instrument all by ear.

James loved anything to do with history. He spent so much time searching his Indian heritage and was so proud to tell anyone who would listen. Through his researching, he spoke to a Chief who gave him a name, “Nashoba Nowa”, which means “Walking Wolf”. The Trail of Tears went through his land, and he found gun barrels, diamonds, native grind rocks, and even a grave. If you would take the time, he would show you all of his treasure he had found. He was very proud of his dad and loved to show everyone his awards and metals that he received while in the Marine Corp and how he fought in the Korean War. James also wrote a page of his family history in the Lonoke County History and Family Book.

We all loved him very much and miss him already. James was proud of his children and grandchildren. He would tell strangers all about how wonderful they were. If you were willing to listen, he was ready to brag. He didn’t care if he knew them or not. He just wanted the world to know that his children and grandchildren were the best.

James is survived by his wife Tammy Roach; children Cassandra Forbes (Bobby), Samantha McClain (Joshua), James Roach III, and Rose Aguon (Jerrico); grandchildren Nicholas Forbes, Tyler Forbes, Alexis Forbes, Jayden McClain, Abigail McClain, Emerie McClain, and Raya Aguon; his sister Rebekah Ryan; along with a host of extended family and friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents James Roach Sr. and Norma Roach, brother Michael Roach, and sister-in-law Deborah Roach.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Funeral Service will follow on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10:00am in the chapel. Interment will be held at Mountain Springs Cemetery in Cabot, Arkansas after the service.

Donations can be sent to A Natural State Funeral Service to help the family with James’s funeral expenses.

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