James Ralph Sumner, Jr.

James Ralph Sumner, Jr., 76 of Carlisle, passed away March 24, 2022. There was a joyful celebration in Heaven as he was reunited with his parents, James Ralph “Cootie” and Toka Dean Crowder Sumner, brother, Ricky Sumner, and his sister, Sun Dean Freeby. Jim was born in Beebe, Arkansas on February 4, 1946, the oldest of the 3, who grew up in Carlisle along with their Uncle Robert Earl Sumner.

Jim was an army veteran and served with an engineering unit stationed in Alabama, Missouri, and Texas.  He was a graduate of Arkansas State University where he majored in Ag. Economics.  He worked for Lonoke County Co-op 34 years, serving as manager for 30 years and retired in 2009.  He would always say what a pleasure it was to work with such fine men as those who served on the Co-op’s board of directors.

Jim was a Gideon and a longtime member of first Baptist church of Carlisle, where he served as deacon.  He loved working for the Lord whether it was in the kitchen, driving the van, teaching his AWANA kids about Jesus, or serving on a committee.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharolyn Oliver Sumner, his son, Paul and his wife, Diana Sumner, and his daughter, Wendy and her husband, Jason Clark.  Some called him Peepaw, and some called him Peeps, be he was the proud grandfather of and survived by Grant, Blake, and Hunter Sumner, Maggie, Emma Kate, and Graham Clark, Jordan (Jordan) Layrock, and Sydney (Riley) Jenkins, and two great-grandsons, Landon and Wyatt.  He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Jan Freeby; two sisters-in-law, Mary Sumner and Betty Kelly Schafer; uncle, Robert (Carol) Sumner; nephews, Ken (Angela) Sumner, Jan Michael (Gina) Freeby, Jerry (Janet) Kelly, and nieces, Ann Wise, Mary Catherine Sumner, and Brenda (Pat) Wagner.

Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M., Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 27, at the First Baptist church in Carlisle. Interment will be in the Carlisle Cemetery.

16 thoughts on “James Ralph Sumner, Jr.”

  1. Tori Petrus Eads

    I’m very sorry. Praying for everyone to find peace and feel surrounded by love.

  2. Jack & Judy Scroggins

    Jack and I are so sorry for your loss. Jim was
    a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Prayers for you all. Heaven gained a great person.

  3. Mr Jimmy was a special man. He really left an impression on my son Zac as he taught him in AWANAS. My dad sure thought the world of him too! He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mrs Sharolyn, Paul & Wendy—a great man of God indeed!!

  4. Bill and I are sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He will be greatly missed by so many. Our love and prayers are with you, Sharolyn, and your family.

  5. Sharolyn, I am so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of good memories of Jim when we were kids. I am praying for you and your family.

  6. Dear Sharolyn and Family,
    Pat and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and the children. JImmy was a man of God, a willing worker who furthered the Kingdom of God and lived a good life. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
    I’m asking God to cover all of you in His Grace and to comfort and bless you now and forever.
    Gail Cook

  7. So sorry for your loss! Prayers for your family and may God comfort you during this time.

  8. Dennis and I extend our deepest condolences to the Sumner family. We thought a lot of Jim. He always had a smile. Love and prayers to this wonderful family.

  9. Sending thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. My heart goes out to you all.

  10. Jim very good man. A excellent employee at Winrock Farms. I enjoyed his humor & him also as a neighbor. His love for Jesus Christ was very evident. Condolences to the family. From Bill Rowland

  11. Mrs. Sharolyn, Paul and Wendy,

    I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Jim, he was truly a great guy. Peace to you , my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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