James Anthony Best

James Anthony “Hodge” Best, 63, returned to his Lord on the morning of September 15, 2024 in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

James was born on July 7, 1961, in Newport, Arkansas to John and Mildred Best. He was the eleventh of 12 children raised on the family farm in Cash, Arkansas. James spent a large part of his adolescence on a tractor on the family farm but also enjoyed his time on the gravel roads with friends putting hundreds of miles on their bicycles and later in their cars. There are a million stories those old roads could tell.

As a young adult, he developed a prowess for the manufacturing industry. He partnered with his brother Dan at Best Welding and later joined his brother Charles at Best Manufacturing, ascending to the role of President at Best Manufacturing and expanding capabilities with the latest in steel fabrication technology. James often shared his acumen with others and was a longstanding member of the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce. He collaborated with Arkansas State University with the ASU Workforce Training Center and was well known and respected in the Jonesboro Industrial Park community for the way he conducted business and the way he treated everyone from acquaintances to employees. James was an active member of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

James was extraordinarily compassionate and sought out ways to pass on his knowledge to future generations. This desire led to a partnership with Jonesboro Unlimited in which he was instrumental in establishing Tek Starz, (where he was lovingly referred to as “The Godfather”), an annual summer manufacturing camp for 7th and 8th grade students. James was a friendly face and a steady hand of support for camp participants.

Upon selling Best Manufacturing in 2017, James soon founded Precision Digital Printing, a company that maintained James's economic contribution to the Jonesboro manufacturing industry and his love of technology.

James is survived by his wife of 36 years, Penny Best; his son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Kim Best, and his three grandchildren, Dallas, Autumn, and Drake Best. He is also survived by his siblings, Norma Burden, Carolyn (Tommy) Bryant, John W. (Kay) Best, Donald R. (Shirlon) Best, Linda Fiala, Charles R. (Tami) Best, Dennis Best, David (Teresa) Best, sister-in-law Tina (Randy) Soyka, brother-in-law Tim Hughes, and many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his mother and father, John and Mildred Best, his brother, Danny Best, sister, Luna Mae Carroll, and his brother George Best.

James enjoyed life. He was fun-loving and outgoing. His work ethic, like the rest of the Best family, was never ending. He enjoyed going on vacations with his loving wife, Penny. Yearly trips to Biloxi, a few times in Vegas, and different islands in the Caribbean where they made a lifetime of memories. He was the hero and role model for his son, Justin, passing down the best example of what a man, a father, and husband should be. He adored his 3 grandchildren and spent as much time as he could playing with them and was always overjoyed to see them. He treasured time outdoors on the farm, on the water crappie fishing, and in the woods duck hunting with his son, brothers, and nephews. He also loved sharing meals with his family at the lodge and would arm wrestle anyone for the last corner piece of a caramel cake. James was an avid golfer and often found himself surrounded by friends, coworkers, siblings, nephews and nieces that found great joy from his humorous stories, often about Rebel, his rambunctious and often erratic, chocolate lab. He was known by many names: James, Jimmy, Hodge, but his favorite people called him Pop.

Funeral service will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Bro. Don Blackmore officiating. Burial will be private. Pallbearers will be Kenny Burden, Kevin Bryant, Justin A. Best, Kyle Best, Kris Best, James D. Best. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Simpkins, Mike Sheridan, Lomer Turney, Jim & Ann Masters, Sergio de la Rosa, and Lloyd & Linda Wofford.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to the service.

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at the St. Bernard’s Cancer Center and the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House for the remarkable care, love, and respect they showed James and his family and friends before he passed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401 or St. Bernard’s Cancer Treatment Center, 225 East Washington Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401.