He was in the United States Army Reserves, a retired salesman for Cello Foam and was of the Baptist faith. He played basketball, baseball and ran track for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1960 to 1964. James was also an avid golfer and tennis player.
Survivors include one son, James Wade Magness of Horn Lake, MS; one daughter, Ashley Magness Hawkins and husband Frank of Monticello; three grandsons, Bradley Magness, Scott Hawkins and wife Alli, and Cole Hawkins; one granddaughter, Charlie Rice; and two great grandsons, Chase Knowles and Gage Rice.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be given to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730 or Chapel Woods Nursing & Rehab, 1440 E. Church St., Warren, AR 71671. Online guest book at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(13)
Robin Harris
Murfreesboro, TN Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Jim was such a wonderful man. I’m truly heart broken. We had been friends for years but, lost touch over the past few. My heart goes out to you all.Bob Banks
Cordova, TN Monday, August 15, 2016 Jim was a high school classmate and we attended the Uniiv. Ark. for some time He was one my closest friends for most of those years and through the midi-sixities. We lost touch for several years and then discovered, via email, around the turn of the century that we lived only a few blocks apart.. We never made the time and I only discovered with his obit that he was no longer in Cordova. I feel a great sense of loss. I doubt I've ever had a more loyal and dependable friend.Renee Lambert Lucy
Royal, AR Saturday, August 13, 2016 Jimmy was a dear high school classmate at Hot Springs High School Class of 1960. I am so sorry that none of us knew of his passing until today. We would have paid our respects and hugged his family. I have such sweet memories of all of us who dated basketball players and ran around together. Jimmy was such a good friend and his loss seems so hard to take because we lost another member of our"Trojan" family. May the good memories help you as you grieve your loss.Joy Rollins
Jupiter, FL Monday, July 18, 2016 Dear Family and loved ones of Jim Magness. I send prayers and my deepest condolences to you. I met Jim in Nashville in the late 90's he has always been a true friend, never hesitating to help or give that extra push when no one else would. He was with me through the hospice and passing of my Mom in 2000 and went to her funeral with me. He shared wisdom and taught me what matters most in life. I have never known a better person. I am so sorry for your loss.I felt a despair that I had not heard from him in quite some time. Hoping he would finally relax and enjoy his retirement, he never slowed down much.
I know he lived for his family and cherished you all so very much.
With much love,
Joy and Faith Evelyn Rollins
Linda Guy
Heber Springs, AR Sunday, July 10, 2016 Dear Ashley and Linda, I am thinking about y'all and praying for peace for all! Love you bunches!!Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 9, 2016 Ashley & family, I just saw you dad's obituary. I am sorry and you have my sympathy during this sad time. He was a handsome man, and evidently an all-around athlete! You will be in my prayers during this difficult time.Jerry and Ann Carlton
Fayetteville, AR Saturday, July 9, 2016 So sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. I have known Jim many years having played basketball with him at the University of Arkansas. He was a special person and we will all miss him very much. Our prayers go out to the family during this time of loss. God bless.Mary Francis Pruitt
Warren, AR Saturday, July 9, 2016 Prayers for Mr. Jim's family, he was such a great person. I had the honor of working for him and later taking care of him. He will be missed. We talked a lot about the old days when I worked for him.Jerry Rogers
Houston, TX Saturday, July 9, 2016 I was sad to read of Jim Magness passing.I enjoyed being his teammate on the Arkansas basketball team in the 60's and living in Wilson Sharp House with other Razorback athletes.
Jerry Rogers, Ph.D., P.E. (Retired U. of Houston professor)
Paul & Mary Partridge
Lakeland, TN Friday, July 8, 2016 We were very sorry to hear that Jim had passed. He had always been a great friend and partner in tennis and golf. We will miss his wit and wisdom. We grieve with you and celebrate his life.Love,
Paul & Mary
Jim Bane
Greenville, SC Friday, July 8, 2016 Just heard the sad news about Jim. He and I were basketball, baseball and track teammates at the University of Arkansas. Lots of good memories. RIPMartha Barbee
Monticello, AR Friday, July 8, 2016 Praying for the family and friends of Mr. Magness.Angela
Memphis, TN Thursday, July 7, 2016 Wade,We're sorry to hear of the loss of Papa Jim.
Your father could always be counted on for a good story.
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Angela and Brannah