He attended Wilmar Training School until the 9th grade then was bussed to Drew High School. He graduated in 1963 at the age of 17. He worked several jobs before working for Burlington Rug Mill for 27 years in Monticello. When Burlington Industries folded, James went to Eaton Barber School in Pine Bluff. After graduating, he opened New Look Barber Shop and was a Master Barber in Monticello for 20+ years. James was elected to Wilmar City Council and in 1980, became one of Wilmar's First black Alderman.
He professed a belief in Christ at an early age and was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Wilmar. James loved to sing and was known as "Lil Wilmar James", and entertained around the Delta during the 60's. He cherished his time with friends playing baseball for the Wilmar Baseball team for many of his younger years.
He married Peggy Anderson on October 23, 1965. To this union two daughters were born, Gwinnett and Denise. James passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 9:09 pm in Little Rock at Hospice Home Care of Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Zyan Preston Orr and his best friend Willie Mae Brooks. He leaves to cherish his memories his four children, Gwinnett Orr of Little Rock, AR, Toni Jackson Ransom (Garry) of Arlington TX, Denise Orr Moore (Michael) of Wilmar, AR, and Eric Simmons (Terica) of Warren, AR; granddaughter, Erin Simmons; grandson, Trevor Corbin; great grandson Carter Corbin; brother, Johnny Orr ( Amanda); and sisters, Lereatha Hamilton (John) and Mary Diane Johnson; and a very special niece, Jennifer Jones of Wilmar, AR.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. There will be a visitation one hour preceding the funeral service from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. You can sign James' guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(8)
Dorothy Thomas
HELENA, AL Sunday, February 19, 2023 So sorry to hear of your lost. He always had a special place in my heart and he will truly be missed, Such a genuine person. My prayers are with the family and be Blessed.TEDDY DUNLAP
LOS FRESNOS TX, TX Tuesday, February 14, 2023 praying for the family ,Stacy Crow
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 12, 2023 l'd like to give my condolences to Peggy. Sorry for your loss.Welton lewis
Flint, MI Friday, February 10, 2023 So sorry for your lost of James you have my sincere condolences. We will be praying for the family.Kimberly Jordan
Monticello, AR Friday, February 10, 2023 I send my prayers and condolences to the Orr family during their time of bereavement.Lee Brooks
Monticello, AR Friday, February 10, 2023 Out thoughts and prayers are with this great family doing this time of sorrow. God bless you!Karen Wiscaver
Kingsland, AR Thursday, February 9, 2023 Praying for you and your family Denise.Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 8, 2023 I don’t have adequate words to express the loss of my good friend but to the family focus on on the good times . I cherish our good times. We know God timing is not ours