James Edward “J-2” Wilmans, Jr., of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born August 7, 1939, in Newport, the son of James Edwards Wilmans, Sr., and Mary Alice (Gregory) Wilmans.
Mr. Wilmans was a graduate of Newport High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas. He was the owner and operator of J. Wilmans Farms for over 50 years.
Mr. Wilmans enjoyed golfing, and reading, and loved watching sports and black-and-white movies. He was an avid motorcyclist whose favorite movie was Easy Rider. His quick wit, beautiful smile and twinkling blue eyes were his hallmark characteristics, and his story-telling ability was unparalleled.
Mr. Wilmans was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sherry Dian (Butler) Wilmans of the home; five daughters, Carolyn Wilmans Rogers and husband, Rog of Little Rock, Mary Elizabeth Wilmans Andritsakis and husband, Yiorgos of San Francisco, Tessa Lane Wilmans Martin and husband, Jason of Mayflower, Lisa Martinez and husband, Armando of Newport, Machelle Remington and Jeff of Eatonton, Georgia; his grandchildren, Olivia Hope Martin, Brandy Lee Dailey, and Amber Machelle Adams; great-grandchildren, Marceline, Emalee, Oliver, Luke, and Benjamin; many wonderful bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a lifetime of friends.
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
