James Robert Whiteside, 79, of Batesville, departed this life on Monday, November 25, 2024. He was born in Newport, Arkansas, on October 7, 1945, to Carl and Beulah Johnson Whiteside.
During his working years, he was a truck driver and a licensed diesel mechanic. He loved to ride motorcycles and go boat riding. One of his favorite lifetime memories was boat riding on the Mississippi River with his father. During his earlier years, he loved to fly airplanes. Old cars were also a favorite of his, whether it was simply driving or working on them as a hobby.
James served our country in the Army National Guard. He was of the Baptist Faith and had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.
He and Bertie Kidwell were married on May 12, 1982, and enjoyed over forty-two years of marriage.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Bertie, of the home; his daughters, Sandy (Eddie) Riggs, of Greenbrier, Candy (Frank) Jackson, of Beebe, and Cindy Leidy, of Ward; his step-children, Gary Brock, David Brock, Tim Moser, Sharon Herndon, Karen Cox, and Kristy Moser, of the Batesville area: his sister, Judy Green, of Newport; sixteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends.
James is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Leon Whiteside; a sister, Leona Long; sons-in-law, Scott Leidy and John McMains; two grandsons, Danny Brock, and Cody Springer.
Service will be on Monday, December 2, 2024, in the Chapel of Doty Southside Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. with Gary Brock and David Brock officiating.
Burial will follow the service in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Cushman.
Pallbearers will be Eddie Riggs, Frank Jackson, Tim Moser, Cameron Moser, Christopher Springer, and Bobby Whitson.
Special appreciation to Woodlawn Nursing Staff and Caring Hands Hospice for their wonderful care.
