James "Jim" Aldridge

James Vern “Jim” Aldridge, 84, of Conway, Arkansas, born November 15, 1937 in Louisville, Mississippi, to Clarence J. and Verna G. (Patterson) Aldridge. Jim passed from this life on June 7, 2022, surrounded by loving family. He was a Christian, Veteran, avid outdoorsman, storyteller, lifelong professional musician, loving Dad and Papaw.

Growing up in North Little Rock he helped in the family grocery business, Aldridge Market. Jim joined the Demolays at 14 alongside his brothers. He learned to play harmonica at the age of 5, trombone at 9, and saxophone at 11 years old. Accomplished on these instruments by the time he arrived at high school, he earned first chair in the North Little Rock High School band where he graduated in 1955. Jim went on to play the flute in jazz bands until he joined the Air National Guard, serving honorably for 5 years as a member of the 154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.

Jim joined the Pacers in 1961, the band kept Hwy 67 aka The Rock n’ Roll Highway on its feet with their rockabilly music while recording for the famous Sun Records in Memphis.

Jim went on to expand his musical career recording under the name Jamie Rich for Houston’s Soundville Records touring from Texas to California from 1969-1971. Rejoining his family back in North Little Rock he thrived on the music scene, playing multi-sets a night at many of Central Arkansas’ most prestigious hotels, including Camelot Inn, Sheraton, and Little Rock Hilton in addition to trekking through clubs, discos, and lounges all across Mid-America. During the 70s Jim played alongside many talented musicians as well as lead his own bands, The Jim Aldridge Band and Al Di La Band. Known as one of the best showmen with a band second to none, Jim played over 300 nights a year for and with some of the country’s most influential people. Jim was once described as “having a voice like Tom Jones and the spirit of Joe Cocker…” as of 2020 he played over 15,000 performances, for thousands of people including three Presidents; Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton, as well as, the Apollo 11 Astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.

Rejoining the Legendary Pacers in the early 90’s as a lead vocal and riveting saxophone and harmonica player The Pacers gained global recognition while touring across Europe.

Through his career and as one of the Legendary Pacers he was awarded and recognized by many organizations including, but not limited to, The Arkansas Country Music Entertainment of The Year and Decade Award (‘81), Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Arkansas Governor’s Award, Arkansas Traveler Award, Sonny Payne Blues Award, Hot Springs Walk of Fame, and International Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Darrell and Garry. He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Hatch of Sherwood, April Aldridge of Conway, sons Bret (Barbara) Aldridge of Fayetteville, and Howard Fewell of Little Rock. Grandchildren, Brian Wood and Peyton Hatch both of Sherwood, Macey (Thomas) Wadley of Sherwood and Cody Aldridge-Tate of Conway, Bradley Aldridge and Brooke Aldridge of Fayetteville, BrookLynn (Kayden) Layne of North Carolina and Shelby Fewell of Florida, three Great Grandchildren Vada, Hudson and Oaklyn, Brother Jalynn (JoAnn) and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. We would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for their compassion and assistance during our Father’s last days.

To honor Jim’s legacy, the family has established a scholarship to impact Central Arkansas band students’ educational journey. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the "Jim Aldridge Band Scholarship" at North Little Rock School District ATTN: Bookkeeping 501.771.8000 2400 Willow Street NLR, AR 72114.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 5-7pm and services will be Monday, June 13, 2022 10am at Rest Hills of Sherwood, Arkansas.