James Eudell Stroud

James Eudell Stroud, 90, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born on May 2, 1934, in Morrilton, Arkansas, to the late Morgan Stroud and Ollie Beavers Stroud.

Eudell grew up in Morrilton, where he attended Morrilton High School and met the love of his life, Barbara. The two shared 61 beautiful years of marriage. A talented athlete, Eudell lettered in both basketball and football during his high school years. Eudell always thought of others first. As a boy, he worked a paper route to save money to buy his sick mother a rocking chair.

Answering a spiritual calling, Eudell graduated from Pasadena Nazarene College and became an ordained minister. For over 40 years, he devoted his life to sharing the gospel and winning hearts to the Lord as a Nazarene minister, pastoring in Texas, California, and Arkansas. In addition to his ministry, Eudell worked at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and owned and operated a car dealership, where he worked as a car salesman. He also served as the Nazarene District Secretary for several years, reflecting his commitment to his faith and community.

Eudell was a people person and found joy in visiting with others and sharing God’s word. Ever protective of his family, Eudell cherished the time he spent with them, especially his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Eudell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Stroud, two brothers, and two sisters.

He is survived by his two daughters, Julia Roberts and Donnie Bloom, both of Jonesboro; five grandchildren: Ginny Dunlap, Barbara Dunlap, Jonna (Kevin) Reid, Zacre (Rocky) Bloom, and Dereque (Brian) Falls; several great-grandchildren; his great-great-grandchildren, and a lifetime of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Forest Home Church of the Nazarene, 2403 Ritter Dr. Jonesboro, AR 72401.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Ken Stallings and Rev. Tony Miller. Burial will be private.