Jim Harlan Tarkington

Jim Harlan Tarkington
Obituary
Jim Harlan Tarkington, 83, of Hot Springs passed away peacefully at home on November 23, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on November 7, 1942 to Elizabeth Esque Tarkington and Robert Wilson Tarkington.
Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janet Swafford Tarkington; his son, Scott Tarkington; his daughter-in-law, Christy Tarkington; his granddaughter, Megan Johnson, and her husband, Brandon Johnson; and his grandson, Samuel Tarkington. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bob Tarkington and Jerry Tarkington.
Jim's passion was education, leadership, history, servant leadership in the United Methodist Church, and being the loving husband, father, and grandfather (Pappy) to his family.
Jim graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), where he also served as director of teacher placement and taught Western Civilization. He continued his education, earning a master's degree in education from Texas A&M University-Commerce and an advanced graduate degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
His distinguished career in education began as a High School Principal in Sparkman and Warren, before moving on to serve at Lakeside High School. During his tenure at Lakeside, the school was named one of the top 100 schools in the United States. Jim retired from education in 1995, completing more than 30 years of dedicated service to the students and parents he loved in Hot Springs National Park.
Following his long career in education, Jim's passion shifted to serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Hot Springs, he dedicated himself to leading and mentoring, starting several enduring fellowship programs. He served on the Board of Stewards for many years. He started the New Horizons Sunday school class, and he taught the Builders Sunday School classes for 15 years. Both Jim and Janet began teaching the Growing Kids God's to young adult parents. Jim's leadership extended beyond the local church, as he was appointed by Bishop Huey to serve as lay leader to the annual Little Rock Conference. Jim also held various positions at the conference level, which included a member of the Board of Ordained Ministers, and served in the Bishop's extended cabinet.
In addition to his devotion to his beloved church community, Jim was also involved in several community organizations. He was a past member of Board of Directors Hot Springs Junior Achievement and served as chairman of the Education Committee of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Jim lived a life of servant leadership, extending his friendship, love, and grace to family, friends, and strangers throughout his life.While his accomplishments are too many to list, he will be remembered for his unwavering love as a husband, father, and grandfather and for being a faithful disciple to Christ through the First United Methodist Church.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM CST at the First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs National Park with Rev. David Wilson and Rev. JJ Galloway officiating the service. Memorial gifts may be made to the Caring Place at First United Methodist Church Hot Springs.