Joseph "Jw" Stark

Joseph "JW" Stark of Jonesboro, Arkansas, departed this life on September 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 85. He was born to Joseph O. and Inice Stark in Jonesboro on July 27, 1938.

JW served his country for 22 years in the Army National Guard and worked as a factory maintenance worker at Smurfit Stone for 20 years. He was a dedicated member of South Caraway Baptist Church, where he found strength in his faith and having a great love for God.

JW loved his farm, gardening, and taking care of the birds and bird feeders. His family said he was a “fix it guy”, often fixing tractors, farm equipment, cars, and all sorts of things. His greatest joy in life though came from spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren leaving them with cherished memories.

JW is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister, 1 brother-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law, 1 nephew, and 1 son-in-law.

JW is survived by his loving wife, Jessie Stark of the home, whom he married on September 12, 1958 and enjoyed 65 years of marriage together. He is also survived by his son, Wade, and wife, Karla Stark, of Jonesboro, daughters Sherry and husband Joe Craig of Murphysboro, TN, and Jackie and husband Ted Turner of Hernando, Mississippi. He is also survived by three brothers, three sisters, six grandsons, one granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside service to honor JW's life will be held at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery on Saturday, September 30, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation prior from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. The service will be officiated by Bro. Don Martin and Bro. Jim Morgan.

Those to serve as pallbearers will be JW’s grandsons.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the St. Bernards medical providers, hospice home health, and Bro. Don Martin for their care and support during this time.