James “Jim” Anthony LaMonica

James “Jim” Anthony LaMonica, age 81, was born to Joseph and Rose LaMonica of Rochester, Pennsylvania passed away September 7, 2014 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He is preceded in death by both parents and wife Joyce Plumley LaMonica. Jim graduated from Alliance High School in Alliance, Ohio in 1951. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955 during the Korean War. After leaving the military he joined the Demming Company in Ohio as a draftsman. During this time he attended night classes at Salem Technical Engineering School to earn a degree in Manufacturing and Engineering. While with the Demming Company he registered two valve patents that are used in water pumps manufactured today. In 1967 he transferred to Demming Crane Company in Roger, Arkansas where he worked until December 1970 as the manager of manufacturing engineering. In January of 1971 Jim moved his family to Little Rock and joined Governor Dale Bumpers as his personal Administrative Aide where he coordinated the daily duties and engagements of the Governor as well as coordinating the state emergency program. He held this position until 1974 when then Governor Bumpers joined the U.S. Senate. Upon leaving politics Jim became executive VP for Construction News, a regional construction trade magazine. He held this position for three years before deciding to purchase the publication at which time he assumed the role of President of the Little Rock based Communications company. Construction news was a weekly magazine which covered Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and western Tennessee. He continued to oversee the publication until its sale in 1987 at which time he retired at the age of 55. Jim, also known as “Pops” to his family leaves behind his sister, Nancy Barker of Buffalo, N.Y., son, Timothy S. LaMonica (Anita), daughter, Michele G. Shirey (Bill) of Little Rock, loving companion of 22 years, Marie Gordon, Renee Randolph (Terry) of Alexander, Kim Crosby (Clifton) of Sheridan, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A private memorial service will be held at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Chapel followed by iurnment at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital foundation, P.O. Box 2222, Little rock, Arkansas 72203. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the loving care given to “Pops” by the ICU South nurses and physicians.