James Elbert Peacock

James Elbert Peacock, 86, of Jacksonville, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family from this life on January 4th, 2026. He was welcomed into eternity by his parents, Elbert Devoe Peacock and Opal Corley Peacock, and his brother, Joe Corley Peacock.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and hard work. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of 43 years, Gail C. Peacock, who was his constant companion and greatest joy. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Peacock Sevier of North Carolina, and by the children who brought pride to his life: Gina Rene Hughes (Kerry), Jim Bailey Peacock (Jennifer), Logan Lance Ashabranner, and Gina Gail Ashabranner (Lance). His family continued to grow through the years, blessing him with 12 grandchildren: Chris O'Brien (Yasaman), Kevin O'Brien (Erin), Rose Likollari (Dritan), Kerry Ann Partin (John) Patrick O'Brien, Noah Ashabranner, Haley Ward (Looper), Brad Greenway, Lydia Peacock, Eli Peacock, Oliver Peacock, Lainey Peacock; 4 great grandchildren: Kian O'Brien, Addy Partin, Jay Partin, Ari Likollari with the 5 th grandchild set to arrive any day Lily O'Brien; 7 nephews, and 3 nieces, and his lifelong friend, Jurdon "Bud" Perry.

Born on February 3, 1939, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Then he lived in Melbourne until moving to Jacksonville when he was in the third grade, a place that would become the center of his life's work and the community he loved. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1957 and Arkansas State Teacher's College in 1961. Shortly after, he began teaching Biology at Cabot High School, sharing his curiosity and enthusiasm for learning with countless students.

Never one to let time go to waste, Jim spent his summers selling real estate, discovering a passion that would shape the rest of his career. In 1964, he founded Globe Real Estate and opened his Jacksonville office (which later became Jim Peacock Real Estate). From there, his entrepreneurial spirit flourished. As Jacksonville grew, especially after the opening of the Little Rock Air Force Base, Jim recognized opportunities everywhere. He built homes, developed subdivisions, and invested in commercial properties, always guided by his sharp instincts and his gift for connecting with people. He had a natural talent for "closing the sale," but even more so for making friends along the way.

In 1982, Jim married Gail, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys of country living. Their home on Nixon Drive in South Jacksonville was their piece of heaven on earth. An avid outdoorsman, he was always up for hunting and fishing trips. Jim loved hunting on the Bayou, fishing on the nearby lakes and running trotlines at their lake home in Higden, AR. He worked tirelessly on his annual garden. He was always doing something and these pastimes brought him both relaxation and pride. He truly felt he & Gail were living a charmed, enchanted and blessed life.

Beyond his business achievements, Jim believed deeply in giving back to the community that had given him so much. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He served as Past President of the Little Rock/North Little Rock Board of Realtors, a Founding Member and Past President of the Jacksonville Rotary Club and was recently honored with a scholarship named in honor of two of the founding members: "The Peacock/Wilson Rotary Club Scholarships", Past Chairman of the Pulaski County Equalization Board (served for 53 years), Member and Past Chairman of the Jacksonville Water Commission (served for 28 years), a member of the Jacksonville Planning Commission for one term and spent 10 years as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for First Arkansas Bank & Trust. He received the Pinnacle Award by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce in 2016. His service touched countless lives and helped shape the city he loved.

To honor Jim, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 401 N 1 st St, Jacksonville, AR 72076.

Gail & her family extend their heartfelt gratitude to Shelley Meeks, Barbara Fennel, and Arkansas Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Jim Peacock lived a life characterized by hard work, generosity, and steadfast devotion to his family and community. His presence will be deeply missed, but his enduring legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.

Visitation and Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas. The family will receive friends Friday, January 9 th from 5 to 7 pm. The Service will be Saturday, January 10 th at 10 am with burial to follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Home.