James Everett Doss Sr.

James Everett Doss Sr., 85, of Ozark, AR, peacefully crossed the Jordan River to his eternal home on August 13, 2025, at 11:52 PM, surrounded by his family singing praise and worship songs. He was born on January 19, 1940, in Mt. Top, AR. Affectionately known as “Papa,” James lived a life rooted in faith, integrity, and craftsmanship. A man of deep Christian faith, James was a devoted member of Mt. Top Assembly of God for 67 years. He served faithfully as Sunday School Superintendent, a deacon for over four decades, and rang the church bell with pride. The church he called home was more than a building—it was a sanctuary he personally designed and helped build with his own hands. Widely respected as a master carpenter, James set the gold standard in trim work and home building. His perfectionism and pride in his craft can be seen in countless homes throughout Franklin County, as well as in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels across Arkansas and Texas. If James worked on it, you could be sure it was done right. Though a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. Those who knew him best often said, “When James spoke, you listened.” His calm strength, gentle spirit, and piercing blue eyes left a lasting impression on everyone he met. An avid outdoorsman, James found joy and peace in nature and passed that love on to the next generation. A lifelong coon hunter, he trained and raised his beloved Mountain Kerr dogs and was a proud lifetime member of the original Mt. Kerr Kennel Club. His grandkids fondly remember falling asleep to the sound of his dogs howling in the woods. Whether fishing—where it was said he could catch one in a bathtub—or deer hunting—bagging his limit even last season—James felt most at home in the wild. He was also a devoted Razorbacks fan, calling the Hogs with all the strength his soft voice could muster. He never missed a game. But his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In retirement, you could often find him riding four-wheelers, hunting and fishing, or rocking a baby in his arms. In 2021, James survived a heart attack en route to Fort Smith. His heart briefly stopped, but he was revived. When asked about that moment, he said simply, “I’ve seen the other side.” He described the outskirts of Heaven as too beautiful for words—and knew then that God wasn’t finished with him yet. James was preceded in death by his parents, James Claud and Vernia Doss; brothers, Calvin and Otis Doss; sister, Ethel Aitchison (Doss); in-laws, Clarence and Lucille Simpson; brothers-in-law, Glenn Simpson and Don Holmes; and sisters-in-law, Linda M. Doss and Wilma Simpson. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 67 years, Linda Sue Doss (Simpson) of Ozark, AR; sister, Dena Holmes of Ozark; and brother, Curtis Doss of Springdale, AR. He leaves behind his children: Dianna (Rickey) Bowman of Ozark, James (Robyn) Doss of Mabelvale, and Annecia (Brian) Fort of Alma. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Amanda (Jody) Newberry, Lindsey (Jared) Holt, Michael (Amanda) Bowman, Colton Doss, Alaina (Michael) Tatum, Alivia (Dustin) Williams, and Noah Doss; and great-grandchildren: Shaylea, Trevor, and Cooper Newberry; Kylynn, Kinsley, Kaydence, and Kamdyn Holt; Addilynn, Lilly Kate, and Boston Bowman. Also surviving are numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. James instilled in his family the values of hard work, honesty, humility, and compassion. He was a source of strength and wisdom to all who knew him and leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet leadership. He will be deeply missed. A service to honor and celebrate the life of James Doss will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Shaffer Funeral Home in Ozark with burial at Belt Cemetery, Low Gap Road in Ozark. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 17, at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Michael Bowman, Jody Newberry, Jared Holt, Colton Doss, Noah Doss, Michael Tatum, and Dustin Williams. Honorary Pallbearers: Rickey Bowman, Brian Fort, Trevor Newberry, Cooper Newberry, Boston Bowman, Alfred Simpson Sr., Don Simpson, C.E. Simpson Sr., Roger Crouch, Gary Franklin, Thomas Carpenter, Bill Fort, Robbie Woolsey, and all of his nephews and great-nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. While James didn’t want to leave, he said it best himself: “Well, I’ve seen the other side. So when God’s ready, I’ll go back.” We’ll miss him on this side of Heaven—and we can’t wait to see him again. To leave an online memorial visit www.shafferfuneralhomeweb.com

James Everett Doss Sr.

January 19, 1940 - August 13, 2025