James Harrell Mauldin
June 24, 1930 — April 14, 2025
James Harrell Mauldin, “Jaybird”, “Dad”, “Papaw” age 94, passed away peacefully in his home on April 14th, 2025. James was born June 24th, 1930 to Joseph Jackson & Velma (Qualls) Mauldin, in his family home in the Fairview Community.
He graduated from Centerville School, then went on to attend college at UCA. James Harrell joined the National Guard Reserve in the late 1940’s, while continuing his work on the family farm.
He was a truck driver for over 50 years, 30 of that being with ABF. He received multiple million mile and safe driving awards, throughout his career. He trucked in Mexico, Canada, and all 50 states, minus Hawaii and Alaska.
He enjoyed fly fishing, water skiing, driving backroads, horse back riding, farming, bird hunting, and of course telling everyone he met, the RIGHT way to do something. He loved telling the stories of his life and just talking in general, never meeting a stranger. He thought he was a smooth talking ladies man, as well.
Jaybird lived a rich life full of many adventures, but that life was not short on heartache.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Velma Mauldin, sister Joyce (Masel) Sellers, brother Daymon (Theda) Mauldin, son Keith Mauldin, daughter Ida Arlene Mauldin, and loving wife, Sandra Mauldin.
He is survived by his daughters, Bree Mauldin (Bryan Phillips) & Jo (Matt) Fenley, grandchildren Brantley Mauldin, Oakley Bird, and Arley and Wyley Fenley, all of Quitman, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other loved ones, including the mother of his son and first wife, Patsy.
While James had plenty of ups and downs, he was very pleased, accomplished, and proud of his life, along with his daughters and grandchildren.
His smile was one to be remembered, and he shared his contagious laugh up to moments before his passing.
James had a heart for giving to children, so in lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and/or Arkansas Sheriffs Youth Ranch, in his honor.
He graduated from Centerville School, then went on to attend college at UCA. James Harrell joined the National Guard Reserve in the late 1940’s, while continuing his work on the family farm.
He was a truck driver for over 50 years, 30 of that being with ABF. He received multiple million mile and safe driving awards, throughout his career. He trucked in Mexico, Canada, and all 50 states, minus Hawaii and Alaska.
He enjoyed fly fishing, water skiing, driving backroads, horse back riding, farming, bird hunting, and of course telling everyone he met, the RIGHT way to do something. He loved telling the stories of his life and just talking in general, never meeting a stranger. He thought he was a smooth talking ladies man, as well.
Jaybird lived a rich life full of many adventures, but that life was not short on heartache.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Velma Mauldin, sister Joyce (Masel) Sellers, brother Daymon (Theda) Mauldin, son Keith Mauldin, daughter Ida Arlene Mauldin, and loving wife, Sandra Mauldin.
He is survived by his daughters, Bree Mauldin (Bryan Phillips) & Jo (Matt) Fenley, grandchildren Brantley Mauldin, Oakley Bird, and Arley and Wyley Fenley, all of Quitman, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other loved ones, including the mother of his son and first wife, Patsy.
While James had plenty of ups and downs, he was very pleased, accomplished, and proud of his life, along with his daughters and grandchildren.
His smile was one to be remembered, and he shared his contagious laugh up to moments before his passing.
James had a heart for giving to children, so in lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and/or Arkansas Sheriffs Youth Ranch, in his honor.
To send flowers to the family in memory of James Harrell Mauldin, please visit our flower store.