JAMES V. SCHOENROCK

12/02/37 - 12/21/25

SCHOENROCK

December 2, 1937 -

December 21, 2025

Little Rock, Arkansas - Rev. James Vestal Schoenrock, 87, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away December 21, 2025, just weeks after celebrating his 88th birthday.

Called to preach at the age of 11, James devoted his life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through more than six decades of faithful ministry.

Born December 2, 1937, in Levelland, Texas, to Rev. Helmer and Dorothy Schoenrock, James graduated from Odessa High School and continued his education at Jacksonville College, where he met the love of his life, Wilma Seago. They married in 1958 and shared 65 years together.

James earned degrees from Jacksonville College, Stephen F. Austin State University, and BMA Seminary, where he completed two Bachelor of Divinity degrees and a Master of Divinity. James pastored 11 churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, including nearly 20 years at Sheppard Drive Baptist Church in Euless, Texas. He also served as Director of Missions for the Baptist Missionary Association of America, traveling nationally and internationally to encourage churches and missionaries. His service included leadership roles within the BMA of Texas and America, teaching for BMA Seminary, and serving as the first full-time Association of Baptist Students director at Southern State University. He was honored with the Kellar Award in 2008 and Jacksonville College's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021.

A devoted husband, James lovingly cared for Wilma through her battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was a faithful son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished time with family.

He loved sports, especially the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, Southern gospel music, reading, and singing in church. Above all, James loved people and was known for his kindness, encouragement, and genuine interest in others.

After retiring, James moved to Little Rock to be near his daughter and became an active member of Chenal Valley Baptist Church and his community at Chenal Pines Independent Living Center, continuing to serve and build friendships until his final days.

He is survived by his sister, Helen Kulas; brother, John Schoenrock; daughter, Tammie Davis (Mark); son, David Schoenrock; grandchildren Jenny Ray, Justin Schoenrock, Derek Schoenrock, Mason Davis, and Abigail Davis; and great-grandchildren Abygail Ray, Lynzi Ray, and Mary Elizabeth Schoenrock. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; parents; sister Joyce Morgan; son Randy Schoenrock; and grandson Blake Schoenrock.

Visitation and a celebration of his life was held on December 27, 2025, at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, Texas. Memorials may be made to BMA Theological Seminary or Alzheimer's Arkansas.