James M. (Jim) Wise, age 91, of Thornburg, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026. He was born on June 12, 1935, to the late Helen Ellard Wynn and Marvin Neal Wise. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Ray Wise; and his brothers, Charles E. Wise and Robert Wynn.

Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Johnson Wise; sons, Dr. James Neal Wise, MD (Jenny) of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Tommy Lee Wise (Sally) of Conway, Arkansas; siblings, Carolyn Sue Kwon (Ron), Milton H. Wise (Barbara), Patricia Taylor (Charles), Sarah Brown, Walter Neal Wise, Aline Wynn D’Agostino, and Horace Alan Wynn; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who were the apple of Jim’s eye.

Jim was a dedicated family man who was fiercely loyal to those he loved. He was like a second father to many of his nieces and nephews and was always willing and able to provide assistance to them during difficult times. He worked long hours, often under challenging conditions, to provide a better life for his family. Jim retired after many decades as an oiler foreman for McGeorge Contracting Company. Throughout his life, he loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, working on his small farm, and raising the most beautiful flowers. After retiring, he dedicated his time to his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. He had a soft spot for babies of all kinds including his prized chickens and goats; he kept a quality farm. He was the cornerstone of the family, and his presence will be greatly missed.

The family sends a special thanks to Hospice Home Care of Conway, Arkansas for the services provided over these difficult years with love and gratitude to Denise Mooney and Sky Harding.

An informal visitation will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, 1504 N JP Wright Loop, Jacksonville, AR with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Partners for Progress located at 115 Aplin Ave., Perryville, AR. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas.