Jimmie Ison

Jimmie Lee Ison, 80, of Sherwood passed away from vascular dementia, Sunday, May 24, 2015. He was born, November 30, 1934, to John Conrad Ison, Sr. and Florence Elizabeth Jackson Ison. Jimmie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn; daughter, Cheryl Yeager (Keith) of North Little Rock; son, Dr. Keith Ison (Tina) of Russellville; two granddaughters whom he dearly loved, Heather Yeager of North Little Rock and Lauren Ison of Russellville; two brothers, Ross Ison of Sherwood and Jack Ison, of Jacksonville; one sister, Jamie Harrell (Leo) of Sherwood and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John Ison, Jr. and George Ison, Sr.; and one sister, Emogene Brothers. Jimmie will always be remembered as a wonderful, kind, loving man who made a great impact on those he met. After graduating from North Little Rock High School, he began working for Western Electric, then Southwestern Bell (AT&T) and served in the United States Army in 1955-56 in Nurnberg, Germany. He demonstrated uncommon strength and determination. Jimmie enjoyed a 40-year career with the phone company only missing one day of work during that time. Jimmie loved working in his garden, raising vegetables, canning them and sharing them with others. He had many years of volunteer service, including the Civitan Club, Telephone Pioneers, Pals at Cato Elementary School, teaching Financial Peace Classes, etc. His commitment served as a testament to his own courage and to the preservation of the human spirit. He was a faithful member of Apostolic Church in North Little Rock and never missed church until he became too ill to attend. He had been the head usher for many years and greeted people by saying, "Be sweet, kind and lovable." Jimmie will be greatly missed by all. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Apostolic Church, 4314 Landers Road in North Little Rock. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will be in Gravel Ridge Cemetery. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.