James “Jim” William House, 70, of Fayetteville, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2018. He was born September 14, 1948 in Okmulgee, OK to William and Olga Carl House.
Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a 2-term state representative and retired from the state health department as area director. Jim shod horses for 44 years. He spent his life in public service, from the army, to the health department, to the House of Representatives. His time in between was spent helping someone. He loved working on projects with his family. You could always find him doing something for somebody.
He is survived by his wife, Nan House of the home; son, Evan House and wife, Morgan of Fayetteville; stepson, Tristan Dilbeck of the home; daughter, Jessie Walters and husband, Daniel of Pottsville, AR; mother of his children, Carol House of Fayetteville; two brothers, Jeff House and wife, Debbie of Elm Springs and Jerry House of Fayetteville; a sister, Jean Nail and husband, Mike of Fayetteville; and a granddaughter, Adeline Walters.
A Celebration of Life will be 2:00 PM Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the House Family Farm, 6215 E. Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701 (all are welcome to attend).
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Association of the Friends of the Wichitas, P.O. Box 7402, Lawton, OK 72506 which was a favorite place of Jim’s to spend time with his family outdoors.
I knew Jim when I worked at the Health Dept in Star City as Admin. He was a very nice guy and was kind to all. I will keep you in my prayers.
I have known Jim for 20 years and have always been amazed by his kindness, intelligence, and his unique colorful personality. Jim’s passing has saddened so many lives. He was truly a very special person. He will be missed and forever loved. RIPeace
Love hippy chick
I was in basic training in the army with Jim. My Dad or His girl friend would pick us up on weekends and bring us home and take us back.
Evan, Nan &Family, We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a nice man, always so friendly and talkative don’t think he ever met a stranger. He will be missed by many.
So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I would guess that he and Mart are having some good laughs together about now. Love you Nan. You all will be in my prayers.
What a blessed man that will be missed- a true icon in Fayetteville, a gentleman for sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
It was an honor and pleasure to have known Jim House and we surely will miss him. Our condolences to family and friends.
Love, Millie and Don Nelms
He was just the best. The world was, and remains, a better place for life here. My condolences. May peace and love surround you.
It was a pleasure to have known Jim he was a great friend and loved what he did helping the people of Arkansas . He had a vision just didnt get to finish it. We have lost an icon for sure! Nan we love you !
Sam and I are so very saddened by this event!! Words are inadequate at a time like this! Praying for the peace of God that passes all understanding!🙏🏻
Dear Nan, I will always remember Jim as a friend and someone who could answer all my horse questions. He was so good at the literacy events with those little kids. Sweet guy!
Jessie and Daniel–so sorry to learn of your dad’s death. My sympathy to you and the family.
Nan,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May your memories of Jim, give you comfort in the coming days.
So sorry to hear of Jin’s passing, he was such a vibrant, inspiring man. Our thought and prayers are with you And your family Nanette. Love always and forever, Peggy and Bob
I met Jim during his first campaign for State Representative. He was kind and fair to everyone, even his political opponents. That takes real, honorable character. May good memories bless his loved ones.
Jerry, Jean and all of your family- we were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Jim- he was loved by so many- even our grandchildren remember him as that “ nice man who rode his horse around Township and Crossover”- your family will be in our prayers
Im a friend of Nan’s condolences to the family, I did not have the privilege of meeting Jim but it’s obvious he was an amazing person. I’m so sorry you are going through this, prayers to you all.
Jim was a man of honor, a dedicated military veteran, and my friend and biking companion. We miss him big time. RIP.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim was a super special guy. He always had a smile on his face and he cared. He was the most caring guy. And if he believed in something then he fought tooth and nail for that believe. He will be missed by all who ever knew him. My thoughts and prayers are will all his family members and friends. May God Bless each and every one of you.
I got to know Jim through APHA. I would only see him at the conference but will not forget him. I was from one end of the State (Ashley County) and Jim from the other end but a lasting friendship developed from the 3-4 days spent at the conference. RIP Jim.
To my long time pal, summer friend, antagonist, hero. House, God Speed. Thank you for all you have done for everyone that has ever met or known you. My heart hurts. I was your favorite source of entertainment, and target for practical jokes. Say hi to my dad for me. He’s gonna be so happy to see you up there. Never forget when man walked on the moon and our discovery with Janice that Wintergreen lifesavers spark in the dark when you bite them. Love, Crowbridge
Jerry, sorry to hear about Jim. I always liked him. He was one of the original “country music lovers” from the 50’ and 60’s . I remember driving that 440 roadrunner at fish creek… bad ass machine, wish you still had it. Please give me a call sometime as I can’t reach you by land line anymore. 256-508-4412. 70 is creeping up on us ! Bob
I just got to know Jim holding signs next to him at the courthouse. He was so gracious to me and my parents. He was so kind and generous. I loved his smile and energy. I had wonderful conversations and laughter with him for those weeks leading up to the election. During the runoff, he was willing to lend me posts for my new large signs. I was literally messaging him last week and he was willing to help me in any way. Jim was an angel on earth. I know that he is still with us, just not in the physical. 😔 Jim, May the angels greet you with great joy!
Dear Evan and Jessie,
Katie, Elizabeth, Phillip, and I are all saddened to hear of the death of your father. Your dad was such a nice guy and we all treasure the season of life that we spent time with each other. We know that your dad was very proud of you, and know that you will carry him in your hearts the rest of your lives. Losing a parent is one of the most challenging events in a person’s life. We will be sending lots of love and prayers your way.
Angela McKnight
Miss Jean, so sorry for the loss of your brother. Love you & miss you very much. My prayers for you and your family. God be with you all in these trying days forward.
Please accept my heartfelt condolence for your tragic early loss for the life of Jim. A fine fine man.
I first met Jim when he was with the Arkansas Health Department back in the 80’s. He was always helpful and a great guy and friend. He will be missed!
Jim was a treasure, for sure. We were neighbors for many years. Always willing to help out whatever the task. He was always mowing a strip of grass down the front of our property-I think he was reminding us to get out there and finish it up to make it look good. And we usually did get out there and finish it up. We will definitely miss him. Our prayers for your recovery.
We are very sad to hear of Jims passing. An exceptional individual! Our condolences to family and friends. We regret that we will be unable to attend the celebration of his life. Jason & Lee Cole
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Shocked, because he lived so large that his life occupied a lot of space in all the best possible ways. This news requires rearranging the world as I knew it. I can only imagine the monumental adjustments those who were blessed enough to be close to him must be going through. I only had the great pleasure of meeting him a few times, yet he made a great impression as someone who was doing life the way it was meant to be done. My life was improved by him. I am saddened for the opportunity missed to know him better.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s death. I worked with Jim for many years as a fellow employee of the ADH. So many good memories. Prayers for family during this difficult time for comfort and peace.
In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. May our Lord comfort you and your loved ones. Officer Kenneth Ingalls, Greenland Police Department.
A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts, through us, they live on. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication that you have done to make the State of Arkansas a better place. “Love in Him” Officer Kenneth J. Ingalls, Greenland Police Department