James Farris

JONESBORO - James Robert Farris, 33, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully Sunday Aug. 17, 2025, in the company of his wife and mother. He was born April 4, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio to Jim and Linda Farris. James grew up in Jonesboro before moving to Arizona during his junior year of high school. He signed with University of Arizona where he pitched for the Wildcats before being drafted into the Chicago Cubs.

After a successful career in Minor League Baseball, James returned home to Jonesboro to reconnect to his community and establish a life of his own. He married Madeline Farris in 2022, after meeting in 2020, while working together at Shadrachs. Together they welcomed a son, Gatlin Farris. After Shadrachs, he pursued a profession in HVAC with plans to start his own company. Outside of work he enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, hanging out with friends and family, music, and being outside.

James is survived by his wife, Madeline Farris; son, Gatlin Farris; grandmother, Patrica Billing; father, Jim Farris; mother, Linda Farris; sister, Jordan Farris; nephew, Jadon Farris; along with numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, and loving friends.

He is preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Lawrence Billing; paternal grandfather, Robert Farris, and paternal grandmother, Madeline "Jeanne" Farris.

The surviving family would like to thank the phenomenal friends who have gone above and beyond to support the Farris family, all those who have donated, as well as the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice house and St. Bernards caretakers.

Visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home Thursday, Aug. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. to be immediately followed by a funeral service officiated by Craig Miller.

Burial will be private with active pallbearers being Neal Shannon, Paul Pilgrim, Zachariah Goza, Taylor Copeland, Dustin Hillis, and TJ Long. Honorary pallbearers will be Jaime Garrido, Tyler Wilson, Zach Gulley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Bridge of Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 821, Pocahontas, Ark., 72455.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com