James Douglas Vanaman Sr.

James “Jim” Douglas Vanaman Sr., age 78, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on July 3, 2025. He was born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas on November 18, 1946, to Marjorie L. Teague and Doil H. Vanaman. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Tracy D. Wyont and Kathy Y. Westerman. He is survived by his brothers, Michael Vanaman (Nancy) and Bradley Vanaman, his loving wife of 57 years, Henryetta Walls Vanaman, their children, James Douglas “Doug” Vanaman Jr. (Tammy) and Amanda Vanaman Lovette (Jim), his grandchild Abbigale Vanaman, and several nieces, nephew and cousins. Jim was a fan of Rock and Roll music, classic cars and motorcycles, finding a good deal on a collectible at a yard sale,managing his flea market booths and enjoying a good snack.

He graduated high school in Hickory Ridge, AR then spent time at Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway before marrying Henryetta and starting a family. He worked for the United States Postal Service for thirty plus years where he made many lifelong friends. Their family settled into the Conway community in 1979. Many in the Conway area will remember Jim as their friendly postman or the familiar face in the bargain huntingcrowd. He was a gentle man full of quirky sayings and an affinity for scratch offs. He loved his family pets and enjoyed taking the dogs for a good walk followed by some afternoon nap/lap time.

Jim was a good neighbor and a great husband, father and grandfather. Along with Henryetta he created a loving family home where he and Doug spent countless fun (and sometimes not so fun) hours working on cars and motorcycles, enjoying zoo shenanigans and casino adventures with Amanda and a distinct willingness to stop for some gas station potato logs with Abbi. Jim had the best dad-joke sense of humor, a kind heart and gentle soul that will be greatly missed by all.

A special thank you from the family to Jim’s caregivers,especially Annaleese Westover. Your kindness, care and assistance are greatly appreciated.

Pallbearers: Abbigale E. Vanaman, Becky Westerman Camp, Cynthia Vanaman Allison, Andrea Vanaman, Billy Parks, Mona Dixon, Annaleese Westover

Honorary Pallbearers: Jim Lovette, Klint Wyont, Kendra Vanaman Huckabee, Danielle Vanaman, Bradley Vanaman, Michael “Mick” Vanaman, Dennis Stevenson and Tristan Dague.

Visitation/memorial will be held at the Wilcox Family FuneralHome in Greenbrier, Arkansas on Tuesday, July 8th from 4 to 6pm.

A private family service and interment will be held later at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway.