Deacon James B. Golden

Deacon James B. Golden was born to the late Sam and Annie Bell Golden on August 18, 1940, in Oneida, Arkansas. Affectionately known to some as “Uncle J.B.,” James was a vibrant man of God until his death April 17, 2023. He was preceded in death by his first wife; Ollie B. (21 years), his second wife; Yvonne Elaine (35 years), five siblings; Sam, Charley, William, Josie, Christine, two children; Earl Williams, Napoleon Jefferson, and two grandchildren; Ivory Jefferson, Jr., Vera Golden. James embraced the loving invitation to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior at First Baptist Church in Oneida at a young age. From the very beginning, James loved to serve others. He worked with his hands as well as his heart.  He hunted, fished, and fur trapped with his father bringing provision to his loved ones. Although James was busy, he finished his GED and trained in welding. At nineteen, James entered into the field of agriculture, and he married his lovely bride, Ollie and together raised a family. As their family grew, James also worked at company plants, first at Sprayrite then at Helena Chemical Company until his retirement after 30 years of service. He was widowed at 40 years old, but the Lord blessed him a second time. He married his vibrant wife, Elaine and together raised a family. All the while, his passion for farming remained, and he worked part-time up until his health failed. Since age 21, James used his commitment as a deacon at First Baptist Barton to put to memory God’s word. He could quote long passages of scripture in delicate situations to encourage his hearers. Even more, his ability to tell stories filled any space with laughter and joy. James was a man of faith and family, but also, he was an ambitious man who achieved the 33rd degree in Free Masonry. He leaves to cherish his legacy, a devoted mother-in-law; Mamie Bridewell, five daughters; Carol Jackson of North Little Rock AR, Elsa Diggs of St. Louis  MO, Gwendolyn Frierson, Bettye Gause, Dorothy (Michael) Young all of North Little Rock AR, one  son; Cortney (Keesha) Anderson of Kansas City MO, one sister; Annie Golden Brown of Champagne IL, one brother; Willie Golden, Sr. of West Helena AR, 28 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 8 great great-grandchildren, and a host nephews, nieces and friends.