James Franklin ‶Jimmy″ Owens, 89 of Harrisburg, Arkansas, departed this life Monday, January 12, 2026, at NEA Baptist in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Jimmy was born on October 19, 1936, in Harrisburg, Arkansas the son of Isaiah ‶Ike″ and Eunice (James) Owens.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant baby brother, Kenneth Owens, two sisters: Shirley Ann Martin and Joyce Owens Henshaw.
Jimmy married Miss Sarah Martin on March 12, 1960, and they have enjoyed 65 years of marriage. He was a farmer most of his adult life. Jimmy graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1955. He was a 32* Degree Mason, having served in Masonic Lodge #184 and now is now connected with the Marked Tree Lodge. He was a member of Valley View Baptist Church, served in the Arkansas National Guard, and horses were a big thing in his life.
Together, he and Sarah did trail rides and enjoyed riding even until last week. Trail rides were done in Arizona, where they spent a lot of their life. Also riding motorcycles was something he and Sarah did together. Outside was another enjoyment, mowing and just working on the farm. Jimmy’s enjoyment was also time spent with grandchildren and great-grands and spending time with family and friends. Enjoying life!
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Sarah (Martin) Owens, one son, Dirk and wife Lisa Owens, one daughter, Tausha (Owens) Privett all of Harrisburg, one sister, Kathy and husband J. W. Deaton of Batesville, Arkansas, a grandchild, Hylarie (Privett) Rutherford, great-grands: Gabrielle Ann Brandon and Annleigh Rutherford. Visitation will begin Thursday at 12:00 Noon until Service Time @ 1:00 P. M. Funeral Service will be Thursday ~ January 15, 2026, at Jackson’s Funeral Home Chapel and Bro. Junior Criner will conduct the service. These men will serve as Active Pallbearers: Joe Lacy, Hayden Creecy, Grant Whittingham, Jeff Miller, Marvin Pagan, and Mark Martin. Interment will be in Bay Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be sent to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Plaza, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Arrangements are by Jackson’s Funeral Home.
