Susan James

Susan James, 69, of Sims, AR, passed away February 2, 2024. Susan was born on February 16, 1954, in Sims, AR to Leon and Jerline (Shaw) Qualls. She is preceded in death by both her parents, nephew Derick Sellier, great nephew Etlee Wade Qualls, Aunt Nancy Qualls and other Shaw aunts and uncles.

Susan began her nursing career in 1978 after graduating from Garland County Community College. Her first job was at the Ouachita Memorial Hospital (now National Park Medical Center) where she held many titles including Manager of ICU, Recovery Room, and Med II. In 1992, she moved back to her hometown of Mount Ida to begin her career with the Arkansas Department of Health as a Home Health Nurse. A few years later, Susan was promoted to Administrator of the Montgomery County Health Department. During the 2000s, she served as the Southwest Region Hometown Health Improvement Manager and the Region Administrative Manager until she retired. Whether it was visiting patients in their homes, hospital rooms, or in the clinic, Susan was always caring and professional. Susan was a little bored being retired, but found a new challenge as the COVID Nurse for the Mount Ida School District. Nurse Susan was loved by tons of students even when they got the dreaded quarantine call. She also served as nurse for Camp YoLaWiGo in the summers and part time at the Murfreesboro Nursing Home. In 2023, Susan was sworn in as Montgomery County Justice of the Peace for District 1. Her time campaigning and meeting constituents took her caring heart in a different direction but with the same passion as her nursing career. No matter what title Susan had during her life, her favorite titles were Mom, MeMe, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and beloved Friend. Susan was a member of the 1st Generation of the Shaw Shenanigans and an active member of the Prairie Grove Church of God and the WCSC.

Susan is survived by her two kids Tameria (Larry) Nolen, Bubba (Jenny) James, Eric Moudy, sister Retha (Dan) Curtis, brother Melvin (Pam) Qualls, grandchildren Cody and Lane Nolen, Adyson, Jayce, Rylee James, niece Jenna (Kenneth) Dougherty, nephews Matthew (Sadeidre) Lawrence, Jason (Kaitlyn) Qualls, Mikey Sellier and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, special friend Bruce Gray, cousins and other family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, February 5, 2024 from 6 to 8 at Thornton Funeral Home. Services will be Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 2:00pm at Faith Tabernacle Church. Burial will be at Rocky Cemetery in Sims, AR. Bro. Ed DePriest and Bro. Leon McKinnon will officiate. Pallbearers Jayce James, Ethyn Dougherty, Cody Nolen, Lane Nolen, Ramsey Gilbert, David White, Mike White, Matthew Lawrence, Kenneth Dougherty and Will Cole. Arrangements are under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.