Jimmy Lee Medlock

Jimmy (Jim) Lee Medlock, of Paragould, died peacefully at Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 25, 2019 at the age of 72.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane (Medley) Medlock; children, Julie Kennedy-Hampton (Reneilia) of Paragould, Marshall Medlock of Van Buren, AR, Jamie Jordan (Mark) of Paragould; grandchildren, Halle Beth and Chandler Kate Jordan; first cousin, Priscilla Kelley of Stevensville, MI, whom he cherished more as a sister than a cousin. He is preceded in death by, his father Ransom Medlock and his mother Edna Jewell (Medlock) Knight.

Jim was born on May 15, 1947 in St. Louis, MO to Ransom and Jewell Medlock. He graduated from Berkley High School in 1966, Harding University with a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies and Psychology in 1970. Jim married Diane (Medley), on August 21, 1970. Jim served as a minister in the church of Christ for 25 years. During this time, they welcomed their three children Julie, Marshall, and Jamie. It was also during this time Jim pursued his other passion of counseling. He eventually earned a Master of Education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. It is there he spent the next 25 years working as an IDDT Therapist at Family Counseling Center in Kennett, Mo, where he also served on Board of Directors for a short time. During his time in Kennett, MO he was also a House Parent of the Children’s Home Inc. campus where he influenced many young men’s lives for a better life.

Jim was known to always have a stack of books by his chair and bedside. They varied from contemplative prayer, latest in addiction therapy/family counseling, to deep matters of faith. It was his faith that lead him to become an active member of the Merton Group in Memphis, TN and to begin his own in Jonesboro, AR. He was involved in the Emmaus Community and was studying to become an Oblate. He was an active and dedicated member of the Southwest church of Christ. Jim was known for his deep intellect, his intense desire to know God in deeper ways, but he was also known for his dry humor and infectious laugh.

Visitation will be Monday night from 5:00-7:00 pm at Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday at Heath Funeral Home in Paragould, Arkansas with Jimmy Adcox officiating the ceremony. Burial will follow at Linwood cemetery in Paragould. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for lasting memorials to be made to John 3:17 Ministry at 431 HWY 145 South, Newport, AR 72112. The family would like to thank CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock. Especially Dr. Ryan Hall (Medical Oncology), Dr. Xiang Gao (Radiation Oncology) and Dr. Gao's supportive and amazing staff. The many doctors, nurses, CNAs from Baptist Health Medical especially the ICU South staff. To St. Bernard’s Home Health team. Especially Kevin (Physical Therapy) whom Jim decidedly wanted to also keep as a friend and Delaine, for the love, kindness, and becoming another cherished family member every time, she entered the house. Online guestbook: www.heathfuneralhome.com