Jim Ladd

View Funeral Webcast

James “Jim” Ellis Ladd, 80, of Lake City passed from this life on Friday, October 15, 2021, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born to the late Herschel and Sarah Qualls Ladd on September 20, 1941, in Lake City. Jim was a retired farmer and the owner and operator of J&J Trucking for many years. His love of driving began at the early age of sixteen when he drove his mother and three younger siblings in a 1952 Ford pickup to California from Lake City. Jim was honored in Reno, NV with the award for “Oldest Active Truck Driver” from the American Historical Truckers Association, having driven for 60 consecutive years.

Jim was a member of Lunsford Baptist Church in Lake City. He was very active in the church and always took the opportunity to share the word of God. Jim took multiple missionary trips to Africa. Jim never met a stranger. He maintained lifelong friendships all the way from California to Arkansas.

Jim loved watching TV and he had a wide range of shows that he enjoyed. From “Bonanza” and “The Andy Griffith Show” to catching up with his stories on “As The World Turns”.  He also enjoyed working on his antique trucks. His favorite color was chrome. Jim loved his family and friends very much. and was always there to help in a time of need. Kids held a special place in Jim’s heart, he loved kids and the kids loved Jim.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 49+ years, Sherry Ann Ladd; and brothers, Carl Ladd, Lewis “Plute” Ladd, and Charles Eddie Ladd.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lola Ladd, of Lake City; his son, Mark Ladd of Lake City; granddaughter, Elizabeth Spurlock of Apopka, Florida; brother, Don Ladd (Paula) of Abilene, Kansas; sisters, Sue Owens of Jonesboro and Gelinda “Gin” Wimberley (Lynn) of Jonesboro; brother in heart, Larry Ladd (Marsha) of Lake City. Jim also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The visitation will be held Monday, October 18, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

The service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at Emerson Funeral Home with Ron Langston and Lynn Wimberley officiating. Burial will follow at Monette Cemetery with the active pallbearers being Steve Owens, Aaron Owens, Neal Wimberley, Lee Wimberley, John Ladd, and Scott Ruthven. The honorary pallbearers are Steve Adams, Bruce Burrow, Jake Gilley, Jerry Holden, Dr. Dale Ladd, Justin Ladd, Wayne Malone, Larry McAnally, Paul McAnally, Art Miller, Jim Robertson, Larry Ryan, Danny Qualls, Gary Qualls, Kenny Qualls, Ronnie Qualls, Bobby Joe Smith, Larry Smith, Lynn White, Arlon Woodruff, Lonnie Wright, and the Saturday Morning Breakfast Truckers.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Lunsford Baptist Church, P.O. Box 634, Lake City, Arkansas 72437.