In Memory

Jim Stitsworth

Jim Stitsworth

Dear Friends: It was our Lord Jesus himself who said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Let us pray, then, for our brother Jim, that he may rest from his labors, and enter into the light of God's eternal sabbath rest. May angels surround him, and saints welcome him in peace. 

Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive Jim into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. -Episcopal Book of Common Prayer

Jim Stitsworth, 64, bid the earth farewell on March 30, 2020 at a local hospital in North Little Rock, AR. 

The son of the late Henry & Hazel Stitsworth, Jim was born and raised in Fort Smith, AR. He was heavily involved in 4-H alongside his family, and this was where his love of cooking began.

After graduating from Southside High School in ‘74, Jim went on to a long career in the food industry. Jim’s personality kept him from ever meeting a stranger, and his love of a challenge produced many an inventive menu for groups big and small in the greater Fort Smith area. 

When Jim decided to set a new path in his 40s, he found himself serving as a children’s minister at Goddard and Wesley United Methodist Churches. He ended his working days by teaching special needs students in the Fort Smith Public School District. Jim also spent time chaperoning Southside Forensic and Episcopal youth events with his daughter. Those times were extremely special, and he loved being ‘Mr. Stits’ to Molly’s group of friends. 

Retirement inspired a move to Bradenton, Florida for Jim and Carol, and it is there that they made very dear friends and enjoyed life in the salty air and sunshine. Arkansas called them home 6 years later, and it was truly a blessing which allowed Jim to spend the end of his life close to his daughter and grand-pups, Pearl and Arthur. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carol; daughter, Molly Caroline; brother, Michael (Karen) of Minnesota; nieces Allison Coindreau, Rebecca Wunch, and Teresa Fontanille; nephews Scott Stitsworth and Kyle Bramlette; loving aunt, Betty Holland; and beloved cousins Judy Price, Marvin Holland, Jr., Larry Holland, Steve Hampton, and Jerry Hampton. 

Jim never met a stranger, and leaves behind a host of friends and wonderful stories filled with laughter, food, and love. 

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Camp Mitchell.