Jimmy (Jim) Donald Jarrard Sr. 1936-2025

Jimmy (Jim) Donald Jarrard Sr., 89, of Mineola passed away peacefully on Aug. 29, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished.

Born on Feb. 27, 1936, in Dallas, Jim was raised with a strong sense of duty, faith and integrity that guided him throughout his life. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955-59 where he cultivated the discipline and strength that became his signature. After his service, Jim built a life with the love of his life, Rita, rooted in hard work, devotion to family and a deep commitment to his community and later in life, his church.

Jim was a man of steady presence and street sense and wisdom. His dry wit, generous spirit and unmistakable voice were familiar comforts to all who knew him. Whether tinkering in the garage, casting a line on a quiet morning or sharing stories from his service days, Jim lived with all heart. He found joy in hunting, fishing, playing golf and spending time with his beloved wife, Rita, and their six children, 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and beloved friends and family.

Later in life, his faith was a cornerstone of his life. Jim was a devoted member of New Hope Baptist Church in Mineola, where he served not only with his hands but with his voice. His morning messages – spoken with conviction and warmth– became a beloved part of the church’s rhythm. His strength and spiritual leadership will be deeply missed by his church family.

Jim is survived by his faithful wife of 66 years, Rita Jarrard; son, Jimmy Jarrard Jr. of Mineola; daughter, Julie Reed and husband Ricky of White Oak; son, Jerry Jarrard and wife Tracey of Monroe, La.; daughter, Jennifer Tidmore and husband Trent of Clear Lake Shores; son, Jacob Jarrard and wife Toni of Longview; and daughter, Jaclyn Mize and husband Michael of Mineola. He is survived by one sister-in-law, Patricia Jarrard of Mineola. Jim also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, Cera Benedict, Nikki McAndrew, Chandler Reed, Robert Renn, Jessica Jarrard, Melanie Harris, Shelby Reeder, Cody and Dylan Tidmore, Caleb and Piper Jarrard, and Brooke, Katelyn, Abbey and Macy Mize. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren. Emma, Blake and Cooper Benedict; Elliot Haskins and Hensley Wacker; Maddilyn, Tyson, Ryker, Jaxson and Reece Reed; Rian Reeder; and Luke and Liam Harris. Jim was cherished by his surviving nieces and nephews, Blake Miller, Brooke Akers, Bari Woolley, Vincent Jarrard, Keeli Darst, Wendi Hydes and Staci Heflin.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Leona Jarrard, and his brothers, Bobby Jarrard and Ray Miller.

A visitation service was held on Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 6-8 p.m. at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola. The funeral service was scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 at New Hope Baptist Church with Brother Michael Mize and Brother Fred Morrow officiating. Burial followed at the Veterans Park at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. After graveside service, refreshments and fellowship were made available at New Hope Baptist Church from 12-2 p.m.

Serving as pallbearers were Cody Tidmore, Dylan Tidmore, Chandler Reed, Caleb Jarrard, Eric and Steven Brookover and Jakob Miller.

Honorary pallbearers were Brother James Schafer, Brother Jerry Coley and Brother Reed Maclin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Hope Baptist Church in Mineola to continue the good works and fellowship Jim loved and nurtured.

Jim’s legacy lives on in the values he instilled in his family, the stories he shared, and the faith he lived. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever honored by those who are blessed to have known him.