In high school Jim loved to be a part of peer groups and sports. He enjoyed having a special bond with the teachers and the coaches.
After high school Jim attended Arkansas Tech in 1960 and received a B.A. degree. He also received a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1963. He pastored until 1974 and then went into a private business in 1975. From there he started working with life insurance where he was an Agent, General Agent, and formed Marketing Groups. Jim married the love of his life, Judy Colleen McDonald, in June 1980. In 1998 Jim became a Vice President in the Independent Marketing Organization for American National Insurance Company in Galveston, Texas. Throughout Jim’s life he was also a hotel and chicken farm owner.
Jim traveled and lived in many places in his life including Chicago, Russellville, Louisville, Kentucky, Kansas City, Belleville, Illinois, Lincoln, and League City, Texas. He was a devout follower and servant of Jesus Christ and was a member of First Baptist Church. Jim loved to study and teach the Word of God to all that would listen. He could talk about it for hours. He was even a teacher of Senior Adult connect group. Jim also served many years as volunteer at Christian charitable medical clinic in Hot Springs.
Jim, who was sometimes referred to as “Money Man,” felt as though God had blessed him financially and would always look for someone to help whenever he was able to. He thanked God for the opportunity to help anyone in need. He was completely dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus. He was a man that never stopped. Jim lived a completely full and exciting life that was bent on helping others and every day was a new adventure. He loved his family and friends deeply.
Jim’s final word of advice to his friends and loved one is “The journey gets better with time! Each day is an opportunity to strive for excellence in our relationships with family, friends, work, and God!”
Survivors include his Wife Judy Colleen Gerren, Daughter Laura Gerren (Geoff), Brother Gary Gerren (Donna), Sister in Law Janet Haning (Joe), Life long relationship with Randy and Kathleen Trenhaile and their children Reid, Paul, Cassidy, and John. Jim also leaves many friends to cherish his memory.
The family asks that memorials be made out to Second Mile Ministry First Baptist Church located at 2350 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR, 71901 and/or to the American Cancer Society.
A visitation will be held Saturday January 14, 2023 from 9:00 am to 10:00am with a celebration of life service to follow at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs, AR. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville, AR.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grossfuneralhome.com for the Gerren family.
