James Nelson Tinsley of Swifton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the age of 88. Born January 14, 1936, to Calvin and Pearl (Sneed) Tinsley, James made his life and career in the community of his birth. A graduate of Swifton High School, he remained deeply connected to the region.
A pivotal date in his life was October 20, 1956, when he married Miss Joan Winkles. Thus began a partnership, spanning 68 years, which would culminate what you would call “the realization of the American Dream.” Joan and James created an amazing legacy based on hard work, drive, loyalty, and determination.
James Tinsley’s passion was farming. It was not just his craft, but his purpose. It was the avenue that he and Joan skillfully used to create a successful life for themselves, and their family. He found great joy in the predictable rhythm of tending the fields as well as the patterns of planting and harvest. For many years, Joan was not only his life partner but work partner as well. He was known to refer to her as “the best help I ever had…and the best paid.” James was a perfectionist, who always gave the very best of himself, and expected others to do the same. A Tinsley plot of land held no errant weeds, rows that were precise, and always produced bumper yields. Well into his eighties, James was known to actively participate in the daily running of Swifton Farms. It was not just coincidence that James departed this world after all the crops had been harvested. He would want it no other way.
Joan and James were not only loyal with their time, but their resources. While sometimes a man of few words, James had an engaging smile, an infectious laugh, and great wit. His one-liners were legendary, and most usually quite accurate. The many kind acts and deeds of James Tinsley were conducted privately. He always assisted someone in need and was the first to answer a call if help was required. A special source of pride was his involvement in the Swifton Community Center. He was especially pleased to see this building in use.
James also appreciated travel, theater, and dining out. He and Joan made periodic trips to Broadway as well as the Orpheum to enjoy plays and were avid supporters of Arkansas State University and Memphis Grizzly Athletics. He enjoyed trips to Branson, boating, visiting with the coffee shop crew, and especially traveling the farm with Joan. Their daily rides provided not only time together, but lasting memories.
James was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred Tinsley, Taylor Tinsley, and Paul Tinsley; a sister, Irene Tinsley Swann; and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Joan Tinsley, of Swifton; his children, Steven Tinsley of Swifton, Kim Tinsley Day and husband, Brian, of Jonesboro, and Bobby Tinsley of Jonesboro; four grandchildren, James Tyler Tinsley of Jonesboro, Dylan Kane Tinsley and wife, Kaitlyn, of Twenty-Nine Palms, California, James Kyle Day and wife, Shelby, of Jonesboro, and Connor Brooks Tinsley of Fayetteville; his great-grandchildren, Cooper, Emelia, Isabelle, and Camden. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Jackson’s Funeral Home, Chapel, with interment following at Swifton Cemetery. Friends are invited to gather for a time of fellowship and remembrance, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Honoring his memory as pallbearers are Todd Hulett, Barry Hulett, Rusty Kinder, Tim Higgins, Jay Harvey, Sonny Campbell, Ricky Midgett, and David Hunter. Honorary pallbearers are his lifelong friend, Dr. Guilford Dudley, Red Higgins, Charles Ed Dukes, Hubert Norris, J.Q. Harvey, Eddie House, Cletus Thompson, Carl Neal, and all past and present employees of Swifton Farms who shared in James’ life work.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Swifton Cemetery Fund at 317 Main Street, Swifton, AR 72471, and the Arnold Cemetery Fund at P.O. Box 208 Swifton, AR 72471.
Arrangements are entrusted to Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
