James William Tilley

Mr. James William Tilley of Jacksonville, Ark., departed this life on September 19, 2021, at the age of 87. He was born September 10, 1934, in Jackson County, the son of Bertha Mae Turner Tilley and William Clinton Tilley. Mr. Tilley grew up on his father's farm in Newport, Ark. He attended school in Newport. Mr. James William Tilley eloped with Frances Coates on February 24, 1956, and together they spent the next 64 years. Mr. Tilley enjoyed spending time outside hunting, fishing, gardening, and working in his yard. Mr. Tilley was a member of Marshall Road Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Ark., where he had participated in Sunday shool class. Mr. Tilley was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Tilley; his brother, Leo Tilley; his grandson, Naim James Jarkas; and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Belinda Jarkas of Jacksonville; and his nephew, Rickey Tilley of Little Rock. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Friday, at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Doug Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Watson Cemetery. Visitation is Friday, 10:30 to service. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Rickey Tilley, Ronnie Coates, Gary Coates, and Sam Jarkas. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com