James Henry "Bebo" Penick III

JAMES HENRY PENICK III, lifelong resident of Little Rock, died on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at the age of 62. Jim "Bebo" was born on April 14, 1955, in Little Rock, Ark. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Henry Penick Jr. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Acker Penick Darragh; wife, Vivian Allen Penick; his three daughters, Kathryn Truemper Penick, Clare Rutland Penick, Elizabeth Acker Penick; three step-children, Heather "Niki" Mangan Weegens (Jesse), Ashley Anne Mangan, Allen Thomas Mangan; and his two sisters, Mary Penick Hodges (Henry) and Barbara Penick McNamee (Jim). Jim attended Washington and Lee University and graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.B.A. in Finance. He obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1981, from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville School of Law. Jim began his career as an associate with the Rose Law Firm in commercial litigation. From 1985-1989, he served as the Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Financial Officer for a commercial real estate developer. In 1989, Jim joined the firm now known as Eichenbaum Liles PA, where he remained a partner until his death. His practice concentrated in commercial and business litigation. He was referred to by some as the "bull dog" as Jim fought hard for those he represented, driven by passion for the law and compassion for his clients. He was a member of the American Bar Association and Arkansas Bar Association, and he served as a board member of the James H. Penick Boys and Girls Club. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and a member of the Country Club of Little Rock and the Pin Oak Duck Club. He achieved the highest rank in the Boy Scouting program, Eagle Scout, and was an avid golfer, duck hunter, sports enthusiast and Razorback fan - "Root Hog or Die." Jim's friends affectionately described him as "a great duck caller, a shot hog, and a duck claimer" and were quick to forgive him, saying, "You can't overcome genetics." What mattered most to Jim was his family and friends. His daughters were the greatest joy of his life. Jim's friends, too many to count, made him rich. Jim's wife was his love. Although always busy, Jim started every day preparing breakfast and coffee to enjoy with Vivian so they could spend time together before they went out to conquer the day. Jim "Bebo" Penick touched many lives and will be deeply missed. There will be a visitation from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, Ark., 72205. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72206. Memorial contributions may be made to: Arkansas Hospice Pediatric Program, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark., 72116 or the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72210. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Jim's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.