Jon Burks

Jon Burks obituary, North Little Rock, AR

Jon Burks

Jon Burks Obituary

Visit the Smith Family Funeral Homes - North Little Rock website to view the full obituary.

Jon Walter Burks, 88, of North Little Rock, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who touched the lives of everyone who knew him.


Born on January 20, 1938, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late John D. and Marjorie Bostic Burks, Jon graduated from Cabot High School in 1956. Shortly after, he married his high school sweetheart, Janelle, and together they shared 69 wonderful years of marriage.


Jon and Janelle were blessed with three sons-Greg, Todd, and Chris. Jon was a loving and involved father who spent countless hours playing with his boys, cheering them on in sports, and making memories on family trips to Greers Ferry Lake.


He enjoyed along and successful career with GMAC, retiring after 37½ years of dedicated service. A passionate supporter of both Cabot High School and the Arkansas Razorbacks, Jon could often be found for decades in the stands rooting for his favorite teams.


A lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock, Jon served faithfully on numerous committees and was an active member of the Builders Sunday School Class. He attended worship regularly until his health no longer allowed.


Jon is survived by his three sons: Greg (Kim) Burks of Lonoke, Todd (Karen) Burks of North Little Rock, and Chris (Renee) Burks of Sherwood; and by his six grandsons: Parker Burks of Nashville, TN; Sandy (Katy) Burks of Conway; Addison (Faith) Burks of Sherwood; Scott Burks of Lonoke; Graham Burks of North Little Rock; and Mackenzie Burks of Alamogordo, NM. He is also survived by his brother, Don (Carmelita) Burks of North Little Rock; sister-in-law, Joan (Mike) Pehosh of Bella Vista; brother-in-law, Fred (Kristina) Holland of Washington; and many other cousins and extended family members whom he loved deeply.


He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janelle Burks, and his parents, John and Marjorie Burks.


The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of Jon's friends and loved ones who supported and cared for him throughout the years. A special thanks goes to his identical twin brother, Don Burks. The two shared an unbreakable bond - often teasing and arguing like brothers do, yet always showing steadiast love and loyalty. Together they shared decades of memories: attending ball games, cheering for the Razorbacks and the Cabot Panthers, going to movies, and taking countless vacations side by side. Don was a constant presence throughout Jon's life, and his love and devotion will always be remembered.


The family also wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Fox Ridge and Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday, February 5, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock, 6701 JFK Blvd., NR, AR 72116. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM prior to the service. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Cabot.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Smith Family Funeral Homes - North Little Rock

1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114

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