John Robert Ginn

John Robert Ginn was born August 22, 1940, in Portales, New Mexico to William Walter and Geneva Dolphena (Whatley) Ginn. The family moved to a farm just south of Centerton, Arkansas when John was two years old. John lived most of his life within 6 miles of this spot. He attended school through 11th grade at which time he left school to work and earn money to help his family. John met Barbara Jean Wood, the love of his life, in 1956 at a Halloween carnival. They were married in 1960. For the first 10 months of marriage, they lived in Bentonville and Pea Ridge and John worked for Wendt Sonis Tools. After this, John took over the family dairy farm operation from his father. The couple moved to a small plot on the farm. This was the humble beginning of Ginn Farms, which ultimately grew to a 110 acre operation. John worked on the dairy farm until 1968 when the dairy cows were sold. John then went to work as a USDA Government Inspector at Peterson Farms until he retired in July 2004. John and Barbara raised cattle while John was working at Peterson Farms and also raised turkeys for Cargill for 20 years. The cattle operation slowly wound down but Ginn Farms still had 25 head of cattle just 2 months before John’s passing at age 85. It was hard to convince John that it was time to let them go!

John is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sheila Kay Ginn, brother James Ginn and sister Wanda Root. He is survived by his wife Barbara(Wood) Ginn, daughter Tammy(Jon) Goodwin, son Rob(Eva) Ginn, Grandchildren Justin (Lauren) Goodwin, Jenni (Aaron) Owen, Lyra Ginn, Great Grandchildren Knox Goodwin, Silas Goodwin, Case Goodwin, Brooks Owen, Elliot Owen and Theo Owen, sister Vera Howard, brother Jack Ginn, sister Ruby Watkins and sister Mary Lea Ginn as well as many nieces and nephews.

John got extraordinary joy from being with his family. He loved his wife, children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and his six great grandsons immensely. He was so giving, generous, and supportive. John would do anything for a family member or friend. His family will tell you that he was the hardest worker they have ever known. There were always fences to mend, animals to care for, hay to cut, and a hundred other chores to tend to. His hard work paid off, and he is leaving a tremendous legacy to his family. He is truly an example of a great American success story.

A visitation will be held at Rollins Funeral Home on Friday, December 19th, 2025 from 10:00-12:00PM. Graveside service immediately to follow at Barron Cemetery.