James Stearns Jr.

James Stearns Jr., was born in Germany on September 6, 1969, James spent most of his adult life in his home town of Bryant, Arkansas. It was there that he met his beautiful wife and they married shortly afterwards. They raised two, more than beautiful daughters, Lauren Stearns and Brittany Stearns Channell. James was a deeply spiritual man who loved Jesus. He was grateful for the miracles he had experienced in his life and he expressed that faithfully with a strong attitude of gratitude. He believed the journey of life was the gift we received from our heavenly father. Big hearted and generous, James volunteered at his church, Indian Springs Baptist Church, throughout his adult life. He was a deacon, served many widows and was a small group leader for teenagers and later young adults. He believed loving God's people was a choice, not a requirement. He shared his loving heart, generous spirit and sense of humor with friends and everyone he met. James never met a stranger. You could guarantee James was going to pull a prank, he just loved life. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, restoring cars and his dogs, Joe and Harley. James worked in Engineering for over 30 years and was very passionate at doing the best job he could. He believed in team work and that respect was earned not given. James strived to teach others and believed that to be successful you have to give it away to keep it. He is survived by his loving family, wife; Stephanie Stearns; two daughters, Lauren Stearns, Brittany Stearns Channell; son-in-law, Brooks Channell; granddaughter, Bryleigh Channell; mother; Mary Stearns; father; James Stearns Sr.; sister, Teresa Wright; brother-in-law, Richard Wright and niece, Gabby Wright and grandfather, L.V. Latham of Bryant, Arkansas. Funeral service is 2 p.m., Thursday, November 3 at Indian Springs Baptist Church, Bryant, Arkansas. Reception visitation held 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, November 2 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCare.com.