Cathey taught in the Arkansas public schools for two years, was discharged as a Captain in the MSC/U.S. Army Reserve, worked at First National Bank in Magnolia, Arkansas, and retired from the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he taught marketing and general business courses from 1968-1999. After retirement, Cathey owned Fresh Interiors of Monticello, AR, an interior redesign firm. He was a certified Interior Redesigner, Decorator, Color Consultant, and Home Stager. He attended the National Redesign Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, to obtain the training necessary for these certifications.
In 1987, Cathey was hired as organist for Wood Avenue ARP Church in Monticello, Arkansas, where he also served as the choir director, pianist, and treasurer. Cathey also played at St. Marks Catholic Church and for many special occasions over the years for friends and family.
Surviving Cathey are two daughters: Lesa Handly (Brooks) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Traci Walls (Michael) of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Funeral Services for Cathey will be at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. with a visitation at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery, Monticello, AR.
The family requests that memorials be made to: James P. Cathey Business Scholarship University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Condolences(17)
Laura Wilson
Rogers, AR Thursday, May 23, 2024 Tracey and Lesa,So sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Cathey. He and Mrs. Sue were dear friends of my Mom. Praying that you are comforted during this difficult time.
Laura
Karon Loveless
Monticello, AR Saturday, May 18, 2024 Lesa and Traci,Jeff and I are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Srinivas Nippani
Commerce, TX Friday, May 17, 2024 My most sincere condolences. I started my first job at UAM in January 1999. James's office was opposite mine on the basement floor next to the door. He always came in very early to work, well before 8 a.m. We had plenty of fantastic conversations during the time we worked there together. He was one of my favorite people in the business school. He was very kind towards me, and we both shared a good camaraderie. I shall always think of him as a man who guided me in my initial year as a professor. May his soul rest in peace.Becky Phillips
Monticello, AR Friday, May 17, 2024 James was a mentor to me as a student at UAM and a friend later in life. He always held us to a high standard in our academic endeavors and encouraged us to capitalize on opportunities in life. I will miss his laugh and his wit, but I know he is at rest. Prayers to all of his family.Steve Davis
Little Rock, AR Friday, May 17, 2024 Dear Family,I was just recently thinking of James and the laughter he caused. I knew him through SEARK concert association, but got to know he and Sue when I managed the bed and breakfast across the street from them. It was always fun having them in or to the front porch for some sort of dessert and or going to the pond in the front yard for some left overs. I always had to let them know what was going on in case the traffic or the noise got to much! but of course they would want to come and see what was going on as well! Just sharing food over the fence was a pleasure. I missed them when I left there and even more so when he left Monticello. He was a man of great influence. And of course, Lesa was part of the MHS class of 78 and always will be even though she went to DC. Sending much love and many prayers.
Pat Matthews
Maumelle, AR Friday, May 17, 2024 Lesa & Traci,I worked with James at UAM many years ago. He was so knowledge in his field and so easy to work with it was a real pleasure. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lowell F. Lynde, Jr.
Choudrant, LA Friday, May 17, 2024 It is with sorrow that I heard about James' death. He and I were colleagues at UAM for many years where he was truly the Best Dressed Man on Campus. However it was through his involvement with the arts that I got to know him and Sue. For many years they were big supporters of the SEARK Concert Association. I was fortunate to be included in their annual Christmas soirees which were famous for their music and food. James and I made a couple of trips together that I remember with great fondness--to Memphis to hear the organist Cameron Carpenter and to Greenville to enjoy the tamale festival. May he rest in heavenly peace and may God comfort Lesa and Traci.Dianne lloyd
Monticello, AR Friday, May 17, 2024 James and Sue were always so generous with their home, and were great hosts. So many fond memories of fun events in their hom.I’m sorry for your loss.
Diana Hill (Rison Pharmacy)
Warren, AR Thursday, May 16, 2024 Mrs. Lesa,I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family during this time.
Johnny Ware
North Little Rock, AR Thursday, May 16, 2024 I learned so much from Mr. Cathey. I will always remember is great laugh in class. I was fortunate enough to see him several times over the years. What a great teacher but even a better person.Don Rash
Malvern, AR Thursday, May 16, 2024 My condolences to you and your family.David Langley
Baton Rouge, LA Thursday, May 16, 2024 The Langley’s and the Cathey’s go all the way back to Henderson State Teachers College before any of them were married!!! I was fortunate enough to take a class under Mr. Cathey and my dad in the same semester and I passed them both. Lesa and Traci I will keep you and your families in my prayers.India Nixon Holt
Crossett, AR Thursday, May 16, 2024 Always a dear friend to our family. What a privilege to grow up knowing him and then being taught by him many years later. I always looked forward to his classes and just enjoyed conversations and laughter with him. He and Mrs. Sue were such a pair and it was fun to see them waving from their front porch on Main St. during seasonal parades. They helped me furnish my apartment with items they had in storage when I moved to attend graduate school and later hosted my wedding reception at their beautiful home. Such a gracious couple and so many happy memories with the Catheys. Sending love and many prayers for Lesa, Traci and family.Alice Trantham Hill
Warren, AR Thursday, May 16, 2024 Lesa and family, my prayers are with you.Gay Pace
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 16, 2024 He was one of the absolute best. Grant & I loved him dearly. His laugh and that look he would give you are some of my fondest memories of him. The friendship that Grant & I shared with him after her retired from UAM was priceless.Tony Higgins
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 16, 2024 Mr. Cathey was the best professor. I think about him often and he will be missed.My sincere condolences to the family.
Cindy McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Thursday, May 16, 2024 My thoughts and prayers are with y’all during this time. Mr James wa a great teacher and I enjoyed hearing him play the organ.