James J. Malik

LTC (Ret) James J. Malik, Jr. was born in Hungerford, Texas, on June 24, 1938, to James and Antonie (Laitkep) Malik and departed this life on November 28, 2021, at the age of 83. He moved to Center Ridge, Ark., in 1953, and graduated from Nemo Vista High School in 1956. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1962, where he received a commission in the US Army. His military overseas assignments included Germany, Korea, and Vietnam; stateside assignments included Ft. Knox, Ky.; Ft. Hood, Texas; Ft. Bragg, N.C.; Alexandria, Va.; University of Arkansas; and Arkansas Tech University. He retired from the military after 24 years, and then worked for the Arkansas Department of Health as the Assistant Personnel Directory for another 12 ½ years. After his second retirement, he became active with the Knights of Columbus Council 5209 where he served as Grand Knight and Father William Beck Assembly 2081. He also joined Martin-Bradley VFW Post 4453, where he served as Post Commander for three years receiving all-state honors. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Antonie Malik; a son, Anthony (Anton) Francis; and a brother, Robert Malik. He is survived by his wife, Angela (DeSalvo) Malik of 62 years; two sons: Eugene James (Sue) of Maumelle, Ark., and Ronald Joseph of Morrilton, Ark.; and one daughter: Paula Angela (Robert) Hutchings of Bentonville, Ark.; two brothers: Tommy Malik (Lucy) and Jerry Malik (Laura) both of Center Ridge; also, he is survived by four grandchildren: Aaron and Nicholas Hutchings, and Elizabeth (Toni) and RJ Malik, and one great-granddaughter, Angela Grace Malik; along with many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund (106 N. St Joseph Street, Morrilton, Ark., 72110) the St. Joseph Cemetery Fund (343 Catholic Point Rd, Center Ridge, Ark., 72027), or the charity of your choice. Rosary will be held Wednesday, 7 p.m., December 1, 2021 at the Bob Neal and Sons Chapel, with Visitation following. Services will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morrilton, Ark., on Thursday, December 2, 2021, with Visitation at 10 a.m., and Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Center Ridge, Ark. Service and arrangements are by Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home, Morrilton, Ark., 72110, 501-354-1638. www.bobnealandsons.