James Robert Sugg, better known as Jim by those of us who knew him, died Friday, July 8, 2022. Jim was born on December 26, 1949, in Helena, Ark., to the late Barney and Louise Sugg.
He attended Central High School in Helena, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and pole vaulting. He was a graduate at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. It was at the U of A that he met Melanie Harrison of Blytheville, Ark., and they married in 1973. They celebrated their 49th anniversary in June of this year.
Always a very loving and devoted husband, Jim was also the very proud father of two wonderful sons, and was happiest when he was surrounded by his family: Phil, his wife, Ashley, and their sons, Harrison and Jackson; Joe, his wife Ali, and their children, Spencer, and Sydney. Jim was also very close to his sister, Anne Stone of Jonesboro, Ark.; and his brothers, Dr. B. Alan Sugg of Houston, Texas, and the late Colonel USAF (retired) Joseph P. Sugg of San Jose, Calif.
Jim grew up in the Baptist church in Helena but joined the Presbyterian church after he and Melanie were married, where he served as a Deacon and an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro. He loved playing golf with his sons and friends, watching all Razorback sports, going out for a good steak, and attending the monthly meetings of the Catfish Club.
Jim had the wonderful ability to relate to all persons in a way that made everyone feel special, comforted, and important. If a man's riches are measured by the number of friendships he has, then Jim was a very wealthy man. Always the very humble and sensitive man, his many longtime friendships are a testament to the love he had for others. We, as his family and friends, have all been profoundly touched by having him in our lives, and we sincerely thank our God that He gave us Jim to be our husband, father, grandfather, brother, or friend.
Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Tuesday, July 19th, from 1-3 with a service to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 710 Southwest Drive, Jonesboro, Ark. 72401. Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Published July 12, 2022