James George "Jim" Siganos

JAMES GEORGE "JIM" SIGANOS 76, died Monday, July 14, 2014 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Jim was born Feb. 26, 1938 in New York City, N.Y. to Greek Immigrant Parents George James Siganos and Fotini Siganos of Samos, Greece who became proud American citizens. He was hospitalized for a sudden attack of viral encephalitis on the afternoon of Saturday, June 28, 2014. Jim was an avid golfer and played his last 18 holes with friends on Friday, June 27, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carla Antonia Siganos; sister, Matia Vamvounakis, of Land O Lakes, Fla.; five daughters, Stephanie Anderson, Sandie Six, Christie Siganos of Van Buren, Ark., Shelia Beene of Mt. Vernon, Ark. and Lydia deSambourg of Hot Springs, Ark.; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Jim graduated from college with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and held a Professional Engineering (PE) License in Arkansas and Louisiana. He worked for CON ED in New York City, City Services Oil in West Texas and Tulsa, Okla., Civil Engineering Companies in Fort Smith and Little Rock, Ark., Lockeed Martin at NASA in New Orleans, La., and his last job was for the Arkansas Dept. of Environmental Quality in Little Rock. He retired in 2008 at the age of 70. Jim served in the US Army at Fort Chaffee, Fort Smith, Ark. and was a member of the American Legion in Hot Springs Village. He was a golf marshal in the village for 14 years at Desoto and Issabella golf courses. Jim served as usher, reader, choir member, alter assistant and Festival Worker at Zoodoches Peghee Greek Orthodox Church in Hot Springs, Ark., St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Fla. and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Little Rock, Ark. He was also a member of AHEPA (American/Hellenic Society) in Arkansas and Florida. In addition to golf, in his youth Jim played NYC League baseball and he loved sports. His favorite teams were the Arkansas Razorbacks, LSU Tigers, NY Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints. Jim and his wife Carla spent eight years in New Orleans and Slidell, La. living on the golf course and enjoying Cajun festivals, Saints Games and Gulf Coast beaches. Then nine years in Mayflower, Ark. in their log home on a farm enjoying a menagerie of farm animals and fostering for C.A.R.E For Animals. In 2000 they bought a home in "golf heaven" Hot Springs Village, Ark. where they have lived for 14 years, wintering in Florida since 2008. Jim was a wonderful Christian, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, golf buddy, friend and straight-man. His laugh was contagious. He could not tell a lie or keep a secret and was quick to say "I'm sorry". He was an excellent dance partner and his hugs were unforgettable. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2014 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Napa Valley, with burial to follow at 1:30 p.m., in Mayflower, Ark. Visitation will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. Pallbearer will be Tony Anderson, Mark Beene, Chuck deSambourg, Anthony Anderson, Ethan Six, Matt Beene. Honorary pallbearers Mark Bernard, Josh Hanley, Michale Huelsenbeck, Clay Blake. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.