Jimmy Burks

Jimmy began his life’s journey on October 15, 1949, at Manning, Arkansas the son of Jim Green and Appatine King Burks. He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age and united with Harmony Missionary Baptist Church. Jimmy was educated in Sparkman and was a 1968 graduate of the Sparkman Training School. There he excelled as a student and showed tremendous enthusiasm in his studies and excellence in baseball. He grew up to be a loving, kind and intelligent young man. He furthered his education by attending AM&N College now UAPB. It was at AM&N College where he pledged with the Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He worked hard and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He proclaimed that his education was his most valued possession. Jimmy was blessed with a vast career. He currently was working as an Accountant for the State of Arkansas where he has been employed for 30 years enabling him to be a gratifying provider for his family. He has been a part-time employee of Alltel for 14 years; He worked as an auditor for the Arkansas Highway Department, as an accountant for the City of Little Rock, and as a claim adjuster for Aetna Insurance Company. His co-workers remember him as being quiet, hard working and diligent. He served as the chairman of the ADE’s Minority Recruitment Committee. His calm voice of reason always kept members on task. He was affectionately known as the ‘man behind the calculator”. Jimmy united with Eva M. Craig in holy matrimony October 22, 1969. Together, Jimmy and Eva shared a beautiful devotion for one another that radiated like a brilliant and beautiful light for others to emulate. To their inseparable and prosperous union, God blessed them with two lovely children, J. Shun D. and Shanei. He possessed his own style and loved music. His favorite artist was Marvin Gaye. He was a lover of all sports. Jimmy’s favorite holidays were Christmas and Valentine’s Day. He loved the winter season which allowed him to walk and drive in the snow. His greatest pleasure was in reading and discussing world events. He was a diehard Cowboys fan and his favorite basketball team was the Miami Heat. Jimmy was a rare “rich gift” who never met a stranger and inspired everyone who crossed his path. After 64 seasons of life Jimmy received his blessing of immortality on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. He was welcomed home by his parents, Jim and Appatine Burks, his grandmother Dora King, a nephew Donnie Juniel and his father-in-law, Arch Craig. He leaves to celebrate and honor his life’s journey: a devoted wife of 45 years, Eva M. Burks; his children, J. Shun D. Burks of Little Rock, AR, and Shanei A. Burks of Little Rock, AR: two grandchildren, Shaundric Burks and Justin Burks of Ft. Smith, AR; two brothers, Larry Burks of Sherwood, AR, and Don Wayne Burks of Sparkman, AR; his mother-in-law, Eva Craig of Little Rock, AR; brother-in-law; Willie Craig of Sparkman, AR; sisters-in-law, Phillis (W.C.) Juniel of Bearden, AR, Morrice (Greg) McKenzie of Sherwood, AR, and Archie Craig of Little Rock, AR; aunts, Emma Jean Gregory of Bearden, AR and Earlene King of Sparkman, AR. He also leaves a host of relatives, friends, and the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church family. Mr. Burks will lie in repose at the funeral home on Friday, February 14th from 2-6 p.m. The last farewell will be held on Saturday, February 15th at 2:30 p.m. at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Louis Craig will officiate. The interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.