On August 3, 2025, Jimmy Pettit, 87, of Thida, Arkansas, left this earth to walk the streets of gold with our amazing Maker. On August 29, 1937, Roy and Ruth (Ritter) Pettit welcomed him into the world on their family farm outside of Ingleside. A midwife pulled him headfirst.
Jimmy was a diligent man who believed in God. When he was younger, he related tales of his job-hunting trips around the United States. Before relocating to Newport, Arkansas, and starting a job with the City of Newport, he lived for many years as a barber in Searcy, Arkansas. He left the Arkla Gas Company to retire. He led the men’s and women’s rehabilitation program while he was retired, mentoring and assisting numerous people battling addiction. He was also a member of New Life Church.
Jimmy loved his family. Jimmy had three girls and a boy with his wife, Ernestine. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-great-grandchildren were always in his house. The grandchildren were his pride and delight. Above all, though, his devotion to Christ permeated every aspect of his life. He showed unconditional love to everyone he encountered, whether it was in the living room or outside. Jimmy loved serving the Lord, from early morning bible studies to Sunday morning church services. It is admirable how knowledgeable and wise he was. Something we ought to all aim toward.
Jimmy’s parents, wife Ernestine, siblings Bobby, Billy, and Dale Pettit, and grandson Jonathan all passed away before him.
Marilyn, Carolyn, Gerald, and Mary are his children; Brandon, Scott (Sarah), Amanda (Herman), Nick (Dominique), Kayla, and Mandy (Johnny) are his grandchildren; he has great-grandchildren, Kyleigh, Maddy, Dawson, Lacy, Leigha, Jayden, Hayleigh, and Wyatt; and Titus, Noah, and Rowan are his great-great-grandchildren.
Romans 8:38–39The love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, I believe, will not be separated from us by death or life, angels or devils, the present or the future, any powers, heights or depths, or anything else in all of creation.That serves as a lovely reminder to all of us. Remain true to his word and don’t give up because we will all be able to celebrate in our last home in heaven one day. Jimmy wanted his cancer journey to serve as a testimony for Christ, showing others how consoling he can be in the face of adversity. He wished to demonstrate to all around him that his peace and strength were adequate via Christ. that knowing that we shall all have the opportunity to meet our Lord one day eliminates all fear.
Job 1:21I left my mother’s womb naked, and I’ll leave it that way. May the name of the Lord be exalted; the Lord has given and taken away.
