James Frank Barfield

Mr. James Frank "Pops" Barfield, 90, a resident of Gillham, passed away from this life and entered his Heavenly home on Monday, August 25, 2025.

He was born July 1, 1935, in Hico, TX, to Frank and Dolores (Hale) Barfield. He was a proud veteran serving in the United States Army. He worked in the oil fields until moving back to Arkansas in 1966. He retired from Tri-Lakes Services as a Safety Supervisor and served as a Deputy Sheriff for Sevier County. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being a cattle rancher, and above all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an active member of Gillham First Baptist Church, where he enjoyed mowing the lawn and caring for his beautiful roses. He loved God, his family, his country, and President Trump.

Mr. Barfield is probably best known for releasing the cows onto the Sevier County Courthouse square in De Queen in 1974.

Mr. Barfield was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dolores Barfield, and a sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Geary Powell.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley Frachiseur Barfield; his children and their spouses, all of Gillham, Bill and Anita Barfield, Mike and Cherie Barfield, Patty Burcham and husband Paul, Manya Wood and husband Gene. His grandchildren, Bethany Brantley, Blake Barfield, Kyle Barfield, Kendall Jamerson, Lexie Bray, Abigail Siegusmund, and Zachary Wood. His great-grandchildren, Cole Brantley, Jaylie Brantley, Cora Barfield, Mason Barfield, Kyzer Barfield, Zella Barfield, and Maggie Grace Bray; one sister, Faye B. Reid of Nashville, TN; a number of nieces, nephews, friends, and a large church family.

Funeral services for Mr. Barfield will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, at Gillham First Baptist Church with Bro. Cole Lancaster officiating. Burial will follow at Mineral Cemetery, under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home in De Queen.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the funeral home in De Queen.

You may leave a condolence online at www.wilkersonfuneralhomes.com