James Lee Poe

James Lee Poe, age 87, of Leachville, passed from this life Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Lakeside Nursing Center in Lake City. Son of the late Jerry and Blanche Bean Poe, he was born in Leachville, where he lived most of his life. James attended the Arkansas School for the Deaf in Little Rock, where he was nationally recognized as an All-American deaf football player. He went on to be an entrepreneur, owning and operating Poe Upholstery for 58 years. He was a deacon for Leachville First Baptist Church and was the first deaf Baptist ordained deacon in the state of Arkansas. James loved sports, racing, and woodworking. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers: John Poe, JR Poe, Preston Poe, Frank Poe, and Howard Poe; and seven sisters: Ellen Hodges, Evie Mae Phillips, Elva Lois Murphy, Alma James, Delia Finley, Stella Dortch, and Billie Blanche James.

Survivors include:

His wife of 63 years, Juilda Kay Poe of the home

2 sons, Tracy Poe (Dana) and Shawn Poe, both of Leachville

3 grandchildren, Nicole Matthews (Troy), Kaley Emery (MJ), and Hannah Simmons (Jacob)

5 great-grandchildren, Macks Emery, Mills Emery, Judah Simmons, Josie Poe Simmons, and Troy Lio Matthews.

The family requests that lasting memorials be made to Leachville First Baptist Church.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Leachville First Baptist Church with Jacob Simmons officiating, assisted by Marty Ezell and David Price. The family will receive visitors Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com