James Lesley Childress

James Lesley Childress of Lonoke, better known as Jim, passed away December 8,2024 from earthly life to his heavenly home. Jim was born February 12,1945 to Raymon and Jennie Mae Childress. Jim grew up in Lonoke, AR, graduated in 1963 from Carlisle High School, Carlisle, AR. Jim attended the Arkansas A & M College, Monticello, AR.

 His passion for the construction industry provided 54 years of service in the custom and speculative home building business. He served on both the National and State Home Building Boards. Jim served 2 years as Arkansas Representative to NAHB and served as President of Cabot Home Builders Association in 1996 and 2005. Jim was President of Arkansas Home Builders Association in 2001. He was appointed to Arkansas Residential Contractors Licensing Board and served 11 years. His knowledge and personal desire to guide home buyers through the building process was a pleasure.

 He married the love of his life, Darlene Gruver, February 19,1965, and they have been best friends for 59 years. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, and he loved snow skiing in Colorado as well as water skiing in Heber Springs. As a child he made a profession of faith at New Hope Baptist Church, Carlisle, AR where he is still a member. He was teaching Sunday School until earlier this year and loved studying the bible with his church family. Jim was a devoted husband, father and friend who will be missed. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and the dedication to his work will be fondly remembered by friends and family alike.

 Jim was preceded in death by his parents Raymon and Jennie Mae Childress, and his sister Juanita Hayes.

 He is survived by his wife Darlene Childress of Lonoke, son James Leslie Childress, Jr (Jill), Beebe, AR, son Clifford Lawrence Childress (Kelly), Lonoke, AR, daughter, Holly Charisse Gullick (Neil), Cabot AR, grandchildren Gracien Whiting (Preston), Larcien Childress, Colt Childress, Hunter Gullick, great-grandchildren, Lucy Grace Whiting and Raya Childress.

 We want to extend a special thank you to Arkansas Hospice for their care and compassion.

 Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Thursday December 12, 2024, at New Hope Baptist Church with burial at New Hope Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke.