Willis Franklin James

Willis Franklin "Frank" James, 80, of Maumelle, passed away on November 19, 2020. He was born April 3, 1940, in Pangburn, Ark., to the late Leonard Jack and Ruth Katherine James. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gail James; brother, Jerry James, of Jonesboro, Ark; sisters, Frances Oakes (Lonnie) of Sherwood, Ark; Jackie Lawson (Jim) Kensett, Ark; Kathy Williams (James) of Pangburn, Ark; and 19 nieces & nephews. He was an Army veteran who served in the National Reserves in the Vietnam War with the HHC 336th ORD BN. He was a homebuilder, Master Wood Craftsman, Advanced Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. He loved all forms of nature including fishing, bird watching and was an avid gardener who grew beautiful roses. His sister, Frances, shared many good times with him. He taught her many things including how to drive a car and plant roses. After they both retired, they shared their love of gardening and exchanged many plants and lots of knowledge. His youngest sister, Kathy, knew him as a "piddler" and "jack of all trades". He could fix or make anything. She will sure miss seeing him working in his yard and tending to his flowers and beautiful roses at Pangburn. Kathy will sure miss him and is very thankful he is with his Master Gardener in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, he requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church Maumelle Flag Fund, 100 Valencia Dr., Maumelle, Ark., 72113. Visitation will be Friday, November 27, at 10 a.m., Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home with service following at 11 a.m. Entombment will be at Rest Hills Memorial Park. State of AR COVID-19 directives: Face coverings required. Maintain social distancing. Live streaming of service will be on the Smith-North Little Rock Facebook page. Online guestbook www.SmithFamilyCares.com