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James, “Jim” Allen Vines

James, “Jim” Allen Vines

James Allen “Jim” Vines, 66, of Little Rock, died February 16, 2010. Born on February 28, 1943, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Marvin and Lois Haygood Vines, both of whom preceded him in death, Jim was beloved by his family and friends and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Jim graduated from Hall High School in Little Rock and attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Following his graduation from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Masters Program for City and Regional Planning at the University of Oklahoma, Jim worked as a city planner in Little Rock with the planning and engineering firm of Hodges, Vines, Fox & Castin before Multiple Sclerosis caused him to retire early. Both before and after his retirement, however, Jim devoted himself to numerous community causes, including service on the advisory boards for the Westside and Metropolitan YMCA, Camp Aldersgate, the City Beautiful Commission, the Pulaski County Council on Aging, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and the Arkansas Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Despite his devotion to his community, Jim’s greatest service was the courage and grace by which he fought MS for over thirty years. A man of faith and member of First Baptist Church in Little Rock, Jim inspired all who knew him through his peaceful confidence in God’s provision and unwavering joy in midst of suffering. For few people is the commendation “well done, good and faithful servant” more fitting.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife Linda, who worked tirelessly in her care for him throughout the course of his illness and was with him faithfully through his final days; his loving sons Jon and Andy of Little Rock; Andy’s wife Brooke; his grandchildren Bella and Fischer; his sisters Tommye Lou Davis of Waco, Texas and her husband Don, Becky Saulters of Columbia, Tennessee, and Sheila Elrod of Fort Collins, Colorado; his brother John Vines of Germantown, Tennessee and his wife Elizabeth; his nieces Christi Roberts, Beth Horton, Ashley Wilder, Amy Benson, Leah Elrod and Abby Elrod; his nephews Drew Saulters, John David Whittenburg, and Aaron Elrod; numerous grand-nieces and nephews; his extended family, and many loving and faithful friends.

The family wishes to specially thank the courteous and attentive ICU staff at UAMS Hospital for their professional and compassionate care.

There will be a visitation Thursday, February 18th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service Friday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, officiated by Dr. James Lagrone. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Memorials in lieu of flowers should be made to the UAMS “House Calls Program” of The Reynolds Institute on Aging, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock 72205, the Visiting Nurses Association at St. Vincent Infirmary, First Baptist Church of Little Rock or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arkansas Division, 1100 North University Avenue, Little Rock 72207.

Condolence Book

"Dear Linda and family, I was so sad to find out about Jim's death. I loved talking and visiting with Jim. So glad he got to experience being a grandfather before he passed. Please know you are in my heart and prayers at this time. Wish I could come and be a part of celebrating Jim's life with y'all but I won't be able to make it back home.

Hugs to all of you,
Love,
Jackie, Vernon and Sierra Culver"

Jackie S. Culver | Chagrin Falls, OH | jsvculver@aol.com

"Jim was one of my favorite people. After visiting with him I always felt uplifted by his spirit and faith in God. Knowing Jim all those years truly was a wonderful experience. I pray blessings and comfort for his great family -Linda, wife and patient caregiver, and for his sons Jon and Andy."
Bob Skinner | Little Rock, AR | RDSkinner65@comcast.net

"Johnny, please know that you and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God provides you all with support, strength, hope and peace as you grieve the loss of Jim. I also ask God to bless you as you celebrate his life. With love and concern, I am, Dick Dietz"
Dick Dietz | Smyrna, Georgia | richardLdietz@aol.com

"John and Family,
I am sorry to hear about Jim. I know the Lord will sustain you during this time of loss. Healing starts with the great memories we all have of Jim. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."

Doug Thompson | Hesperia, CA | dc845@aol.com

"So sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hope to see you Thursday
Sandy"

Sandy Snow | Maumelle, AR | slsdoc@sbcglobal.net

" It is with sadness that we read of Jim's death. Our deepest sympathies. "
Annette and Joe Rawls | Rison, AR | jabr3640@tds.net

"The Vines family lived on Martin Street and I fondly remember what fun times we had playing with Jim, Johnny and Tommye Lou. They are part of very special memories.

The family is in our thoughts and prayers."

Jan Arnold | Arlington, TX | jansarnold@sbcglobal.net

"Linda & family: Jim was a precious man with a such a sweet spirit. He has a new body now and is dancing in the streets of glory. As wonderful as heaven already was, it is a better place now with Jim there. We love you guys and are thinking of you and praying for comfort for you during this time of tremendous loss."
James & Beth Stewart | Benton, AR | cbstewart@uams.edu

"Johnny
Certainly sorry to hear about your brother. I remember him showing a couple of youngsters at PHBC how to play roundball, althogh they never did learn to play very well. I didn't know Jim well, but he was a guy that those of us a few years behind him always looked up to."

Larry Green | Greer, SC | larrygreen@charter.net

"Mrs. Vines, Jon and Andy,

Mom and Dad are overseas and will be heartbroken to learn upon their return to Georgia that Mr. Vines passed away. Our families have been so close over the years and Mr. Vines was a special man to us all. We rejoice that he now is with the Lord. God's blessing and strength during this difficult time."

Jason Massie | Johns Creek, GA | jmmassie@massiefirm.com

"Mrs. Linda

I am sending my prayers and love to you and your family in the lost of your husband. Working with at the YMCA I only heard the stories you told about Jim and how wonderful of a husband and father he was. You are in my heart.

Angie"

Angela Carter | Little Rock, AR |

"Becky, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
Suzanne Parks Oldham | Little Rock, AR | dannyoldham@aol.com

"As a classmate of Tommte Lou, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family."
J Clyde Campbell | Pine Bluff, AR | kcoopercampbell@aol.com

"Linda, Jon, Andy and Andy's family,
Jim was very special to me, very special. Linda, I have no words for how much I feel for you today. You are very close in my heart. I went too long not seeing you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. with love, Nurse Nancy"

Nancy Wolverton | Little Rock, AR | jwolverton7@comcast.net

"Our condolences to the family of Jim Vines. He was such a great guy and gave the two of us our first jobs in the planning and engineering private consulting world.

He was always positive and pleasant. He will be missed.

Chris and Pat McGetrick"

Chris and Pat McGetrick | Little Rock, AR | mcgetrkeng@aol.com

"Jim was one of the first people I met after my appintment as the first City Manager in Malvern, Arkansas in 1973. He provide wise and expert planning and management counsel to the City Board of Directors and to me as their first City Manager.

Jim believed in sharing his expertise. Many of the planning principles that I have used throughout my career in public service are as a result of his mentoring of a young inexperience City Manager. I was fortuante to have Jim, not only as a consultant, but as a friend during those years in Malvern.

Jim will be missed. Even as I write this short note, I am praying for each member of his family. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace in knowing that Jim is now in the arms of Jesus.

Ken Parker"

Ken Parker | Port Orange, FL | kparker3@cfl.rr.com

"Andy: You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers"
Dioma Jackson | Mabelvale, AR | djackson@wlj.com

"Hall High Class of 1962."
Ralph A. Boatman, Jr. | Little Rock, AR | rgboatman@att.net

"Linda,
I was so sad to hear of Jim's passing! He was such an amazing man! I enjoyed reading his obituary! It was such a testament to his life. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! You are such an amazing person that I have always looked up to! May God give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead!

Kris Kuhn"

Kris Kuhn | Thornton, CO | jkriskuhn@yahoo.com

"Linda: I have been out-of-state and just learned of Jim's death. I am truly sorry and hope you are doing OK......will try to contact you later and maybe we can meet for lunch or something..........love you......suzy"
Suzy Elliott Lewis Both | Hot Springs, AR | slewis@cablelynx.com

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