Keith James

Keith James, 71, of Little Rock passed away peacefully Thursday, October 2, 2014 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Little Rock. He was born in Searcy, Ark. on July 9, 1943, the son of Jim Carroll James and Beaulah Head James. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and later graduated from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Keith will always be a legend in the Little Rock design scene, having created stunningly beautiful interiors across the state, region, and country. His influences were realized by the most prominent families in Arkansas and by many families across the nation. His reputation and talents brought him respect and admiration from local and regional interior design communities, as well as international recognition from Southern Accents, Veranda, Elle Decor, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Southern Living, Soirée, and At Home Arkansas. Keith was an inspiration to his clients and a consummate mentor to many local designers, always offering and freely giving of his time, knowledge, expertise, energy, and talents. To know Keith was to know a being with unwavering elegance and confidence, yet having a soul filled to the brim with compassion, generosity, and understated gumption. He was one of a kind. There will never be another Keith James. Period. He is preceded in death by his aforementioned parents and his great nephew, James Webb Killough. He is survived by his partner of 27 years, Jon Stone; dear friend Joanne Watson; and his adored Emma Claire. He is also survived by his brother, Nelson James, his wife, Georgia, and their family; brother Larry James, his wife, Mary Kay, and their family. He is further survived by his much beloved godchildren Michael Pollock, Jr., Lauren S. Kilgore, Natalie Sanderson, and Alice Matthews. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Keith's family and friends extend a special acknowledgement to Laura Shiver and her family for their undying love and support. Furthermore, Keith's family and friends wish to thank the entire staff of St. Vincent's Hospital and Arkansas Hospice for their loving care, respect, and compassion. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice and the Pulaski County Humane Society. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.