James Alton Eason, Jr.'s Obituary
James Alton Eason, Jr of Rogers, Arkansas, died peacefully at Mercy Hospital, surrounded in love by his family. Jay was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC. After high school, he served in the US Army for three years, affording him the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe. He then returned to Eastern NC and East Carolina University, whence he graduated in 1981. While at ECU he met his soulmate, Aissa Hirst, and they were married in 1982.
Jay began a successful 30-year career, initially with Oscar Mayer (and eventually with Kraft General Foods) that same year. He served the company in various roles, moving 12 times in 8 years, before moving to Bentonville, AR in 1994. There he was Kraft General Foods Sam’s Club Customer Vice President until his retirement in 2012.
Retirement was good for Jay, and he was able to enjoy golf, travel, and, more recently, pickleball. He also had time for his other interests, keeping up with the business world and long-term investing. He also thoroughly enjoyed spending time at Beaver Lake on his boat.
His true passion, however, was his family. He took great pride and joy in watching his children grow and mature; and “Pops” was always special to his grandchildren. He was very proud of successfully raising his children, of their personal and professional lives, and also of his own professional accomplishments. Jay was a man of faith, who, when questioned, would say, “I’m right with God.”
Jay is survived by his wife, Aissa, the love of his life, and by his three children, James, Miles (Susan), and Jenny (Mason). He is also survived by his sister, Dru (Ken), by his brother-in-law Tony Hirst (Susan), and by five grandchildren, Miles, Nella, Lucy, Vivian, and Sloane, as well as by two yet-to-be-born grandchildren!
The family offers heartfelt thanks to their many friends who have been most supportive during this time; and to the physicians, nurses, and all the excellent caregivers at Mercy Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held in the Chapel of Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas, 1051 West Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers, AR on Saturday, March 9 at 3:30 PM.
Jay was a joyful volunteer at Samaritan House, so in lieu of flowers, consider becoming a Hunger Hero by making a donation to Samaritan Community Center, www.samcc.org.
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