James Cecil Rodden III

James Cecil Rodden III, better known as Jimmy, passed from this life on December 5th, 2025, from complications following surgery in Conway, Arkansas.

Jimmy was born on May 9, 1967, in Helena, Arkansas, to James Cecil Jr. and Cora Hillenburg Rodden. Jimmy grew up in a Navy family and lived in many different places. He graduated from Theodore High School in Theodore, Alabama, in 1985, where he was friends with everyone. He went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi.

Jimmy had a close relationship with one of his brothers-in-law, and when he died in 1987, this was when Jimmy decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He spent 20 years as a Fire Control Technician and retired as a First Class Petty Officer in 2007.

Jimmy had a huge heart and loved deeply. He loved his three children, his three nieces, four grandchildren, family, and especially his dogs. Early on, Jimmy had a love of football, sports, and especially the Razorbacks. He loved to cook and host his family and friends every year at his annual Crawfish Boil.

Jimmy had a relationship with the Lord and often spoke of not being afraid of death, as he knew his final destination.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, James Sr. and Daphna Varner Rodden, and Clarence and Gertrude Davis Hillenburg; his father, James Cecil Jr.; his wife, Sharon; and his stepson, Steven.

He is survived by his mother, Cora Hillenburg Rodden; his sister, Tresa Zulpo (Robert); his children, Daisy, Hope, and James IV; stepson Chris Davenport (Alecia); and his grandchildren Brayden, Gunner, and Olivia Davenport, and Bentley Johnson. He is also survived by his nieces Heather Carlson (TJ), Krystal Jones (Jonathan), Jessica Strayer (Clayton), and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held December 12th, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Wilcox Family Funeral Home in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Family and friends are welcome to come and help us honor and celebrate Jimmy’s life.

“To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.” —Thomas Campbell

“I fought the good fight. I’ve finished the race. I’ve kept the faith.” —II Timothy 4:7

Fair winds and following seas, Jimmy. We have the watch.